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Pelican-themed play structure at Belles' Play Garden in Council Bluffs
Fixed locationDestination inclusive playgrounds

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.
Plan This Visit

Best for

Best for preschoolers through big kids.

Hours

Outdoor public park access; adjacent splash pad operates daily 10:00-18:00 in season per city page.

Price

Free public playground.

Visit style

Destination outing.

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

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.

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

Best For
  • Families pairing playground time with the nearby splash pad.
  • Kids who enjoy climbing, lookout points, and imaginative themed play.
  • Visitors wanting a destination-style stop with scenic views.
  • Mixed outings that combine play, walking, and riverfront time.
Less Ideal For
  • Families who need highly specific published adaptive-play equipment details before visiting.
  • Quick in-and-out neighborhood playground trips.
  • Visitors seeking a fully enclosed playground setting.

At a Glance

Venue type

Destination playground

Age groups

PreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Sensory and communication features

Tactile playVisual playWater play

Family amenities

Seating

Shade level

Limited shade

Park context

Part of a larger parkSplash pad nearby

Operator type

Municipal

Visit options

Free entry

Plan Your Visit

Facilities
PlaygroundAdjacent water featurePark seatingRiverfront setting
Hours SummaryOutdoor public park access; adjacent splash pad operates daily 10:00-18:00 in season per city page.
Stay LengthWorks well as a longer outing when combined with the splash pad and riverfront park amenities.
WeatherOutdoor destination playground; wind, heat, and seasonal splash-pad operations can affect the experience.
What To Bring
Water and sun protectionChange of clothes or towels if using the splash padComfortable shoes for walking the larger riverfront park

Pricing Snapshot

Admission

Label

Entry

Notes

Public outdoor park playground.

Price

Free
SummaryFree public playground.

About the Venue

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.

Atlas Perspective

Indoor Play Atlas Notes

Age FitBest for preschoolers through big kids.
Energy LevelModerate to high.
Noise LevelVariable; can increase when the splash pad area is active.
Parent ComfortGood for a destination park visit with scenic surroundings, though it is not described as fenced.
Visit StyleDestination outing.

Accessibility & Comfort

Considerations
Official page describes textures and educational elements but does not publish a detailed adaptive-equipment inventory.Families with specific mobility needs may want to review official photos before visiting.
Known Features
Interpretive seatingSurface textures integrated into the play settingIntimate enclosures within the main structure

Gallery

Pelican-themed climbing play area at Belles' Play Garden
Signature pelican play feature at Belles' Play Garden.
Play structures and landscape elements at Belles' Play Garden
River-inspired play elements and planted surroundings.
Additional view of Belles' Play Garden play space
Additional official view of the playground environment.

External Links

WebsiteInstagramXDirections

Other Nearby Listings

Keep browsing accessible and inclusive playgrounds in Council Bluffs and the wider Council Bluffs / Omaha-side area.

Manawa City Park

Manawa City Park

Council Bluffs, IA
(712) 890-5100

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.

Quick Summary

Best for

Best for preschoolers through big kids.

Hours

Outdoor public park access; adjacent splash pad operates daily 10:00-18:00 in season per city page.

Price

Free public playground.

Visit style

Destination outing.

Contact Information

Address

4250 River's Edge Parkway

Council Bluffs, IA, 51501

Location
IowaCouncil Bluffs / Omaha-sideCouncil Bluffs, 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 initial listing from official City of Council Bluffs park page.

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