Raccoon River Park Boathouse
Client
City of West Des Moines, Iowa
Size
3 acres
West Des Moines, Iowa
The unique structure was designed to withstand intermittent flooding and provides park users with a plethora of water craft amenities and gathering space.
Confluence teamed with OPN Architects to provide site design and landscape architecture services for a new Boathouse to be located at Blue Heron Lake in West Des Moines, Iowa. The siting of structure was unique in that the entire lower story of the Boathouse is designed to withstand the intermittent flooding which occurs seasonally within the park. The lower story of the structure provides kayak and other small water craft storage which park users can rent. There is access to a dock with 12 slips, an accessible kayak launch, and gathering space where park staff can instruct small groups on the use of the various equipment available. The upper story of the facility, which is accessed by stairs as well as an accessible ramp system, provides a rental and concession area as well as restrooms for the facility user. An upper terrace provides an area where park patrons can relax and the view the park users enjoying all that the lake has to offer. On-site personal kayak storage, bicycle racks and a boat ramp is also available.
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