Walnut Creek Access Points

Walnut Creek’s sites invite you to reconnect with your childhood—or introduce new generations to the water—as you explore the creek. Improvements will offer easy access to family-friendly wading, miles of unpaved trails and more. Learn more about the sites and plan your adventure today.

Future Sites

This project isn’t quite done yet, but we’re hard at work preparing this water trail for public use. These improvements will ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all users while providing the necessary protection for this important environment. Be sure to check back periodically for updates on this water trail, and in the meantime, feel free to explore our other amazing amenities in and along our waterways.

Concept sketch of limestone steps going down to the river with stepping stones across the water at site 42

Future Site

Site 42

Walnut Creek

This access point is within Walnut Creek Regional Park and offers:

  • Extensive trail networks
  • Playgrounds, natural play areas and a basketball court
  • Prairie restoration near the creek

Improvements

  • Additional soft trails for easier access to the creek
  • Stairs on both sides of the water
  • Areas to relax along the creek
    Educational signage
Concept sketch of a unique circle path feature overlooking the river on site 45

Future Site

Site 45

Walnut Creek

This access point is along North Walnut Creek in one of Urbandale’s signature amenities, Walker Johnston Park. It offers:

  • Trails
  • Playgrounds and natural play features
  • Baseball and softball fields
  • Tennis courts
  • Skate park
  • The Giovannetti Community Center
  • Public art
  • Picnic shelter
  • Restrooms

Improvements

  • Limestone stair creek access
  • Educational signage
  • An outdoor learning space
  • Respite seating
Concept sketch of site 53 on Walnut Creek featuring limestone stairs and a 6' soft trail near the Clive city hall and library

Future Site

Site 53

Walnut Creek

This access point is near the Clive Aquatic Center, where the City of Clive is planning its future Greenbelt Triad.

Improvements

  • Carry-down access
  • A short loop for waders, tubers, paddlers and anglers to complement the downstream access
  • Stairs to the shoreline
    Soft trails
  • Educational signage near the Clive Library and City Hall
Concept sketch of young families using a rock step river crossing at site 55

Future Site

Site 55

Walnut Creek

This access point is near the Clive Greenbelt and offers:

  • Stream restoration
  • A playground
  • Parking

Improvements will benefit park visitors, trail users, paddlers, waders and anglers.

Improvements

  • Stairs to the water on each side of the creek
  • Strategically placed large stones for stream crossing
  • A soft trail loop on the west side of the creek
  • Seating near the water and educational signs
  • Historic oxbow restoration to decrease flooding and improve water quality
Concept sketch of people enjoying river access at site 57

Future Site

Site 57

Walnut Creek

This access point is within Colby Park in Windsor Heights, which has been transformed in recent years. It offers:

  • Windsor Heights Community Center
  • Covered performance pavilion
  • The Walnut Creek Trail
  • A playground, tennis courts and a ball field
  • A dog park and green space
  • Parking and restrooms

Improvements provide a connection to the creek for park and trail users.

Improvements

  • Carry-down access
  • Natural play areas
  • Respite seating near the creek
  • Limestone stairs to the shoreline
  • Public art
  • Educational signage
  • Soft trails
  • Streambank restoration

Find Your Activity with ICON

Whether you love to spend your weekend under the stars or paddling the Des Moines River, there’s something for everyone on ICON water trails. Learn more about the activities awaiting you.

ICON badge with a silhouette of a tent and campfire

Key To Amenities Icons

Bathrooms

Biking

Birding

Boating

Camping

Fishing

Food & Beverage

Hiking

Kayak & Canoe Lockers

Kayaking

Parking

Pet Friendly

Picnic

Playground

Rentals