I love being able to celebrate progress. Athene North Shore Recreation Area was recently named the most accessible park in the U.S., thanks to their many efforts for inclusion. We haven’t made it out to experience the park (yet!), so Devon Boes is sharing the following as a guest writer. Devon is the Program and Outreach Coordinator in a parks and conservation organization, creating safe and inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities for individuals of all abilities. She’s also a licensed Doctor of Occupational Therapy with years of clinical and practical experience helping people of all abilities.
Athene North Shore Recreation Area: The Most Accessible Park in the Country
Tucked along the northern shore of Easter Lake in Des Moines, the Athene North Shore Recreation Area offers more than just picturesque views — it’s a space where accessibility meets the outdoors, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. With the help of a $1 million donation from Athene, a West Des Moines-based retirement services provider, the park underwent major renovations to enhance accessibility. Whether you’re visiting for a peaceful walk by the water, an afternoon picnic or some adaptive water sports, this park is designed to let people of all abilities experience nature without barriers.
Immersed in Nature, Accessible for All
As you step into the park, you’re immediately struck by how seamlessly it blends natural beauty with thoughtful design. The wide sidewalks make it easy for everyone, including those using wheelchairs or strollers, to navigate through the park. If you’re heading to the water, the zero-entry ramps mean there’s no need to worry about steep steps or tricky slopes — accessing the lake is simple and smooth, allowing anyone to dip their feet or venture in with adaptive equipment. Visitors can also take advantage of the park’s beach wheelchairs, available for rent, making it possible to roll right into the water and fully enjoy the lake’s shoreline.
For families with children, the park features an accessible playground where kids of all abilities can play together. Parents will appreciate the park’s blend of high-energy fun and serene natural recreation, with options like kayaking, swimming, hiking and paddleboarding just steps away. This unique intersection of an inclusive playground and tranquil outdoor activities creates a space where the whole family can enjoy themselves — whether it’s an afternoon of play or a moment of peace by the water.
For kids who have sensory sensitivities, the park also includes a wellness room — a quiet space where you can take a break, regroup, or just find a moment of calm. It’s these small but significant details that help make the park feel truly inclusive.
If you’re drawn to more active adventures, you’ll appreciate the availability of adaptive recreation equipment, which gives everyone the chance to try out kayaking, paddleboarding or other water activities. The lake is often dotted with people taking advantage of these opportunities, and you get the sense that this is a place where the joy of outdoor recreation is shared by everyone, no matter their physical abilities.
A Space for Connection and Community
Beyond its accessibility features, there’s a sense of community that pervades Athene North Shore. On any given day, you’ll see families gathered at the picnic areas, friends chatting as they walk along the lakefront, and individuals simply enjoying the tranquility of being by the water. The design of the park encourages this kind of connection — whether with nature, with others or with yourself.
For those who might have struggled to find accessible outdoor spaces in the past, there’s something especially meaningful about seeing ramps and wide pathways seamlessly integrated into the landscape, without feeling like an afterthought. You’re not just accommodated here; you’re invited to fully participate.
Since its renovation, park activity has seen a significant increase. Between May and September of 2024, over 275,500 people visited the park — up from just over 85,000 in 2022. Over the past summer, the park has served more than 647 individuals who identify as having a physical or cognitive disability or a direct caregiver of an individual with a disability through partner organization programs, a testament to how effectively it fosters inclusivity.
A Thoughtful Approach to Inclusivity
The creation of the park was deeply influenced by the people who would use it. During the planning stages, focus groups with individuals who have physical or cognitive disabilities, caregivers and community members provided critical input on what was needed. This collaborative approach is evident in the final design, from the large beach mats that allow wheelchair users to move easily across the sand to the adapted signage that helps ensure everyone can navigate the park independently.
What’s most striking about the park is how natural it feels. There’s no sense of separation between areas for people with disabilities and everyone else — this is a place for all visitors, where accessibility and inclusion are part of the fabric of the space.
A Place to Return to Again and Again
Whether you’re visiting Athene North Shore for the first time or returning for another afternoon of relaxation, there’s always something to appreciate. The changing seasons bring different experiences—from crisp autumn walks by the lake to summer days spent paddling on the water. And for many, the park offers something even more important: the opportunity to enjoy nature on their own terms, without having to worry about barriers getting in the way.
Other Accessible Spots in Des Moines
If you’re planning a trip to Des Moines, the city has other great spots that emphasize accessibility. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is one such place, with an accessible, self-guided tour of its impressive sculptures. For those who want to explore outside the city, Big Creek State Park offers Action Trackchairs — all-terrain wheelchairs that make it possible to enjoy even more of Iowa’s natural beauty.
If you’re searching for an all-encompassing outdoor experience where nature and accessibility unite, look no further than the Athene North Shore Recreation Area at Easter Lake in Des Moines, Iowa. This park is much more than just a scenic getaway — it’s a national model for inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer.