Belles' Play Garden at River's Edge
Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park, Council Bluffs, IA
Riverfront destination playground in Council Bluffs with a large pelican-themed climbing structure, slide, textured surfaces, interpretive seating, and nearby splash-pad play.
This research record does not yet establish a specific inclusion benefit. General park amenities do not confirm accessible equipment, routes, or facilities.
Signature pelican play feature at Belles' Play Garden.
Photo 1 of 3. Signature pelican play feature at Belles' Play Garden.
Editorial notes
What stands out
Best for families wanting a memorable riverfront outing with standout design and nearby water play, though the official page gives less detail on adaptive hardware than some purpose-built all-abilities parks.
Know Before You Go
- Weather
- Outdoor destination playground; wind, heat, and seasonal splash-pad operations can affect the experience.
- Bring
- Water and sun protection
- Bring
- Change of clothes or towels if using the splash pad
- Bring
- Comfortable shoes for walking the larger riverfront park
What to Expect
- Visit type
- Destination outing.
Read more about this location
Belles' Play Garden at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park is a visually distinctive riverfront playground designed around Missouri River themes and educational elements. The signature feature is a 15-foot pelican play structure with climbing elements, a slide, intimate enclosures, and a lookout perch, plus textured surfaces and interpretive seating woven into the landscape. For families planning a longer outing, the adjacent splash-pad water feature, skyline views, and larger park setting make this feel more like a destination stop than a quick neighborhood play break.
Hours & Admission
Admission
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Entry | Free |
Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.
Accessibility
Known Features
Interpretive seating
Known Features
Surface textures integrated into the play setting
Known Features
Intimate enclosures within the main structure
Considerations
Official page describes textures and educational elements but does not publish a detailed adaptive-equipment inventory.
Considerations
Families with specific mobility needs may want to review official photos before visiting.
These details summarize published sources and dated reports. They are not an ADA inspection or an individualized accessibility assessment.
Location
4250 River's Edge Parkway
Council Bluffs, IA, 51501
Other options nearby
Manawa City Park
Updated neighborhood park in Council Bluffs with an accessible merry-go-round, ADA molded-seat swing, sensory garden, interactive play panels, and a small internal trail loop.
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
- City of Council Bluffs - Belles' Play Garden at River's Edgecouncilbluffs-ia.gov
Official parks page describing the pelican play feature, educational elements, seating, textures, and water-feature hours.
Checked: name, address, core features, adjacent splash pad, official images, phone
What changed
April 11, 2026
Created initial listing from official City of Council Bluffs park page.
Accessibility details reflect available public information and dated reports, not an ADA inspection.