Two Rivers Park

Two Rivers Park creates an environment that is welcoming, intuitive, and accessible to all, providing a significant new outdoor space in the heart of Des Moines. Drawing on research conducted in collaboration with The Harkin Institute and expanding on concepts first introduced in our publication, ALL: A Guidebook of Strategies for Inclusive Design, BNIM’s design team integrated numerous inclusive design features throughout the park. Braille wayfinding signage is positioned at key decision points along trails, while a tactile map — designed to be read by touch — provides accessible navigation from a central location. Various types of seating are provided throughout the park, spaced no more than a 200’ travel distance to provide frequent and generous opportunities for comfort and rest for visitors of all ages and abilities.

The park design enhances visual and physical connections to the city and community. Generous pathways provide multiple routes connecting the Market District to the Des Moines River and the city’s extensive network of bike trails. A new shelter sits at the heart of the park and offers opportunities for community gathering and fully accessible, single-user public restrooms. Views of the downtown skyline, Principal Park, and the Iowa State Capitol are framed throughout the landscape. These intentional sightlines help embed the park within the daily life and identity of Des Moines, and are most dramatically experienced from Two Rivers Point, a new promontory featuring a 120’ long cantilevered viewing platform.