Weekend Pick: Summer Choices

There are a few activities planned around the metro this week, including the 101st celebration of Marion Morrison’s (a/k/a John Wayne’s) birth in Winterset on Sunday, May 25, 2008. With this being the Memorial Day weekend, though, the number of planned activities and festivals are reduced. There certainly are enough special events scheduled between June and September to keep you busy, but sometimes the best way to spend leisure time is to enjoy it at your own pace. So, I thought I would explore the types of unstructured activities people choose to do during the summer months.

This is the time of year when the Parks and Recreation Department shines. There are golf courses; swimming pools, including wading pools for the youngest residents; and, parks of all types. You can take a walk or wedding photos in the Rose Garden at Greenwood Park. There are also covered shelters where you can gather for a cookout and escape the intense summer sun or a sudden thunderstorm. Just remember that all park shelters in Des Moines are smoke-free zones and usually require a reservation. You can find cooking pits or grills at county parks, such as Margo Frankel Woods between Des Moines and Ankeny; at block parks, such as Stewart Square near Grand and East 14th; and at spacious, car-friendly parks, such as Water Works off of Fleur Drive. There are also swing sets and other playground equipment at Stewart Square.

Golf clubs and food coolers can be carried onto buses as easily as other items. This helps reduce the likelihood that summertime ground-level ozone will develop and keeps Des Moines in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality standards.

Camping sites are available at Saylorville Lake, which is federal property, and at Polk County’s Jester Park. There are bicycle paths that will take outdoor enthusiasts from various parts of Des Moines the 27 miles, or so, to Saylorville. I have not traveled this route yet and do not know what amenities or activities, if any, are available for those people who enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Fishing is perhaps the most relaxing pastime, once preparation is finished. Unless you are still a child, by legal definition, you will need a fishing license. If you intend to consume the fish you catch, which in my opinion is part of the joy found in fishing, you will need to know the daily catch limits and toxicity warnings for the species where you fish.

Reading, talking, and watching nature can be done while sipping coffee or enjoying other refreshment at some local establishments. Ritual Cafe (between Locust and Grand on 13th) usually has a few tables set up outside as does BeBops on the edge of the Wal-Mart parking lot at about 74th and University Avenue.

For air-conditioned comfort, there are spaces to sit while enjoying gelato at Stam’s or a sundae at an ice cream parlor. You can also conduct an experiment with the Union Park Heritage carousel to see if its speed generates enough wind for cooling comfort.

The Des Moines Public Library will be closed Saturday through Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Other institutions, such as the Science Center and the Botanical Center, may be open even on the holiday. Just double check before you plan a day around those sites.

Memorial Day was traditionally held on May 30th and is also known as Decoration Day. The ceremonial recognition dates from the Civil War and specifically honors those soldiers who have fallen in battle. Take time to acknowledge their sacrifice as you peacefully enjoy your holiday.

M.R. Field encourages organizations and performers to send news about their upcoming events to events@AroundDesMoines.com.