Hanawalt Elementary School Launches Community Recess

Hanawalt Elementary School, together with Des Moines Public Schools, Polk County, and their private partners, will cut the ribbon on Phase One of a community conservation and recreation site.

The ribbon cutting and community event will be held:

Monday, September 23
8:30 AM
Hanawalt Elementary School
225 56th Street

This site, designed to serve school and community, kicks-off with Monday’s celebration of a three-lane track, resurfaced play courts and an open park lawn, promoting public health and innovations in stormwater management.

Ultimately, Hanawalt Elementary’s work will result in a Community Recess Initiative with lawn, track, and courts enhanced through community gardens, outdoor classroom/mini-amphitheater, and restored landscape – inviting students and public to get outside.

Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly chairs the region’s Tomorrow Plan and Capital Crossroads initiatives. The Polk County Board of Supervisors was one of the lead contributors in the planning and construction of this project.

“Polk County values opportunities to help residents connect to their communities, live actively, and enjoy the great outdoors,” said Supervisor Connolly. “We need more places like this across the region.

Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Tom Ahart praises the many partners who have “worked for success here,” while Hanawalt PTA President Julie Hahn acknowledges the contributions of Polk County, RDG Planning & Design and Des Moines University (DMU), along with a series of financial contributors. RDG and DMU joined forces to design the site and develop programs with educators to enhance learning and promote physical activity.

At the ceremony on Monday, Ahart, Connolly, and Hahn will be joined by many students, staff, and residents anxious to take the first steps on this historic track. Educational markers will introduce the public to the new site’s many benefits and future plans.