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Fixed locationDestination inclusive playgrounds

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.
Plan This Visit

Best for

Good across a broad age range.

Price

Free public park.

Parking

Parking available

Visit style

Destination outing.

Birthday parties

Available

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

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.

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

Best For
  • Families seeking a destination-style inclusive playground in Des Moines.
  • Children who benefit from accessible play equipment and sensory experiences.
  • Park days that combine playground time with larger outdoor recreation.
Less Ideal For
  • Visitors who need very detailed official equipment specs before visiting.
  • Families wanting a tiny low-stimulation neighborhood park.

At a Glance

Venue type

Destination playground

Age groups

ToddlersPreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Mobility features

Ground-level play

Sensory and communication features

Tactile playVisual playVestibular play

Family amenities

Parking

Surface type

Mixed surfaces

Shade level

Mixed shade

Accessibility supports

Accessible routes

Park context

Part of a larger park

Operator type

Special district

Visit options

Free entry

Toddler-friendly

Yes

Plan Your Visit

Location ContextLocated within Easter Lake Park at the Athene North Shore Recreation Area according to Polk County Conservation.
Visit StyleBest treated as a destination park visit rather than a fast stop.

Pricing Snapshot

SummaryFree public park.

About the Venue

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.

Atlas Perspective

Indoor Play Atlas Notes

Age FitGood across a broad age range.
Energy LevelMedium to high.
Noise LevelModerate.
Parent ComfortGenerally strong because it is part of a larger established recreation area.
Visit StyleDestination outing.

Birthday Party Snapshot

Packages
Private RentalNo
SummaryGood for casual outdoor celebrations as part of a larger park day.

Accessibility & Comfort

Considerations
The official county playground page confirms inclusive status but not a detailed itemized feature list on the page reviewed.
Mobility
Accessible play equipment
Sensory
Sensory experiences for all ages and abilities
Accessible routes

External Links

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Quick Summary

Best for

Good across a broad age range.

Price

Free public park.

Parking

Parking available

Visit style

Destination outing.

Contact Information

Address

Des Moines, IA

Location
IowaDes Moines MetroDes Moines, IA
Source & Verification

Last updated

April 11, 2026

Verification summary

Last verified: April 11, 2026

Checked against 1 public source.

Source

Ai Region Research

What Changed

April 11, 2026

Created listing from official Polk County Conservation page; detailed address and image not confirmed on page reviewed.

Keep Exploring This Area

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Des Moines City PageDes Moines Metro Region PageIowa State PageBrowse All Cities

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AnkenyJohnstonUrbandaleWaukeeWest Des Moines

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