Ashley Okland Star Playground
Easter Lake Park / Athene North Shore Recreation Area, Des Moines, IA
Well-known destination inclusive playground in Des Moines at Easter Lake with accessible play equipment and sensory experiences for a wide range of ages and abilities.
Editorial notes
What stands out
A foundational inclusive playground for the metro and still one of the most useful destination options when you want broad-age appeal in a larger park setting.
What to Expect
Play profile
- Toddlers
- Preschoolers
- Big kids
- Mixed ages
Visit amenities
- Parking
- Mixed shade
- Visit type
- Destination outing.
Read more about this location
Ashley Okland Star Playground is one of the best-known inclusive play destinations in the Des Moines area and remains a core stop for families looking for broad access features. Polk County's official playground information confirms that Easter Lake includes accessible playgrounds and identifies the inclusive playground at the Athene North Shore Recreation Area as offering accessible play equipment and sensory experiences for all ages and abilities. The playground's regional reputation and Easter Lake setting make it a strong choice for families who want more than a basic neighborhood park.
Hours & Admission
Admission
Free public park.
Accessibility
Sensory
Sensory experiences for all ages and abilities
Mobility
Accessible play equipment
Considerations
The official county playground page confirms inclusive status but not a detailed itemized feature list on the page reviewed.
Mobility features
Ground-level play
Sensory and communication features
Tactile play
Sensory and communication features
Visual play
Sensory and communication features
Vestibular play
Surface type
Mixed surfaces
These details summarize published sources and dated reports. They are not an ADA inspection or an individualized accessibility assessment.
Location
Des Moines, IA
Other options nearby
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Large universal-design playground in West Des Moines with multiple play pods, rubber surfacing, accessible swings, communication supports, sensory art, shade, and seating.
Huge inclusive destination playground in Waukee with rubber surfacing, sensory features, shade structures, accessible restrooms, accessible parking, and nearby Miracle League play.
Miracle Park
Large all-inclusive playground in Ankeny with high ramps, rubber surfacing, transfer-height play features, restrooms, shelters, and adjacent ball fields.
Sources & Updates
1 public source on record · Last checked Apr 11, 2026. Time-sensitive details may have changed.
View source and update details
- Last check on record
- Apr 11, 2026
- Sources reviewed
- 1 public source
Public sources
- Polk County Conservation - Playgroundspolkcountyiowa.gov
Official county page confirms Easter Lake's inclusive playground with accessible play equipment and sensory experiences for all ages and abilities.
Checked: Easter Lake accessible playgrounds, inclusive playground designation, accessible equipment, sensory experiences
What changed
April 11, 2026
Created listing from official Polk County Conservation page; detailed address and image not confirmed on page reviewed.
Accessibility details reflect available public information and dated reports, not an ADA inspection.