City of DM – SW 1st Street Bridge Park Improvements

Back to projects

The City of Des Moines aimed to introduce park-like amenities to an existing pedestrian bridge in the heart of downtown, creating a destination centered at the confluence of two rivers. Utilizing the site characteristics in the design vocabulary to orchestrate users to the historical and ecological significance was a key ingredient to visitor experience. Seating, planting, and turf pods were designed to create an engaging and reflective space for people to stop and take in the meaningful context.

Destination-worthy recreational and contemplative improvements include pre-cast concrete seating, planter beds with green roof vegetation, synthetic turf mounds for unstructured play, and open-air shade structure, ornamental bridge deck inlay, and a dedicated multi-use rail corridor. The project transforms an exposed hardscape into an inviting destination space with pods for gathering, seating areas for taking in the downtown cityscape, mixed with vegetation, shade, and a bright green painting ribbon with metal benches emerging from it that vibrantly weaves the mosaic together. This destination is worthy of taking a water break, a lunch break, or gathering for a community event.

The site offers unique viewsheds, has cultural significance, and integrates elements that recognize the historical development and the bridge’s arched superstructure. The historical context was commemorated through thoughtful features such as the river inlay mimicking the confluence at the center of the bridge and the chevron-shaped benches pointing users to the historic city evolution. A connection across the river has been part of the urban fabric for over 150 years and continues to serve the region as a major pedestrian and bike connector.