olkCity P
PARKS & RECREATION
MISSION: To provide high-quality facilities, parks, programs, and special events that meet the needs of the Polk City community.
VISION: To be a leader in promoting community health and well-being through safe, diverse, and fun parks and recreation events and programs.
HOW TO REGISTER
POLK CITY PARKS & RECREATION
P.O. Box 426, 200 S. 4th Street
Polk City, Iowa 50226
(515) 984-6233 | www.polkcityia.gov
Meet the Staff
1. Online at www.polkcityia.gov/parksand-recreation
2. In-person at City Hall (address to left)
3. By calling City Hall at (515) 984-6233
JASON THRAEN, DIRECTOR
Greetings! My name is Jason, and it is such an honor to return for my sixth year as the Director of Polk City Parks & Recreation. I am from Harlan, Iowa and a proud graduate of Iowa State University. In my free time, I like to cycle, golf, play pickleball, and root for the Cyclones and Packers. My favorite program is Start Smart Football, and my favorite part of Polk City is the Town Square, which I consider to be the heartbeat of our community.
ALLISON VEHIGE, COORDINATOR
Hello! My name is Allison, and I am the new Recreation Coordinator for the Parks & Recreation department! I am from Casey, Iowa, originally, where I grew up on an acreage just south of town a few miles. Outside of work, you might find me country dancing, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, playing volleyball, or playing board games. My favorite program is Start Smart Soccer, and my favorite thing about Polk City is the lively, active, and engaged community!
(515) 984-6233 | www.polkcityia.gov
Parks&RecreationPolicies
Program Refund Policy
To be eligible for a refund, you must cancel at least 7 days in advance of the program start date. Refund will be registration fee minus a $10 admin fee. Refund will be issued as a Parks and Recreation registration credit, or as a check. Failure to give 7 days’ notice of cancelation will result in a non-refund of your registration fee.
*Full refunds will be issued if a program is canceled by Parks & Recreation staff, or if an individual is unable to participate for medical reasons.
Open Air Shelter Refund Policy
To be eligible for a refund, you must cancel at least 14 days in advance of your rental date. Refund will be rental fee minus a $10 admin fee. Refund will be issued as a Parks and Recreation registration credit, or as a check. Failure to give 14 days’ notice of cancelation will result in a non-refund of your rental fee. Refunds will NOT be issued due to weather (rain, temperature, wind, etc.).
Rental Facility Refund Policy
To be eligible for a refund, you must cancel at least 14 days in advance of your rental date. Refund will be rental fee minus 50%. Damage deposit will be refunded. Refund will be issued as a Parks and Recreation registration credit, or as a check. Failure to give 14 days’ notice of cancelation will result in a non-refund of your rental fee. Damage deposit will be refunded.
Photo & Video Release
Polk City Parks and Recreation may record or take photos of participants enrolled in activities, programs, and special events. These photos and/or recordings may be used for future Polk City Parks and Recreation promotional material.
Parks & Recreation Weather Hotline
Curious about program cancelations or delays when the weather is questionable? Give our new Weather Hotline a call at (515) 984-6160 for program updates. Email notifications of program changes will continue to be sent out to registered participants.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS
START SMART FOOTBALL
This is an organized, introductory football program for the first-time player. Parents will interact and learn how to teach their child a variety of football skills including passing, catching, kicking, and punting. Each child will receive a football, flag belt, kicking tee, and practice cones.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 9
Ages: 3-5 yrs.
Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Dates: September 16 - October 2
Time: 5-5:30 PM
Cost: $45
START SMART MOVE AND PLAY
Location: Kiwanis Park
Min/Max: 6/12
This is an introductory program focused on developing fine and gross motor skills for children 2-3 years old. Developing these motor skills in a safe, fun, and age appropriate environment will ensure that participants gain strength and confidence in their body. It will also help them get exercise and physical activity. Finally, developing these skills will help a child’s ability to do more complex skills in future activities, whether it’s playing a sport, doing school projects, or drawing. Parent interaction is required.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 28
Ages: 2-3 yrs.
Days: Tuesdays & Thursday
Dates: November 4-20
Time: 5-5:30 PM
Cost: $25
START SMART BASKETBALL
Location: City Hall Community Room
Min/Max: 6/12
This is an organized, introductory basketball program for the first-time player. Parents will interact and learn how to teach their child a variety of basketball skills including dribbling, passing, and shooting. Each child will receive two basketballs for drills, a scrimmage vest, and practice cones.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, November 25
Ages: 3-5 yrs.
Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Dates: December 2-18
Time: 5-5:30 PM
Cost: $45
Location: Lakeside Fellowship Gym
Min/Max: 6/12
Cost: $15
Location: City Hall Community Room
Min/Max: 24/48
Polk City Parks & Recreation is excited to continue partnering with YEL to provide STEAM camps through the fall season! YEL Currently brings youth after-school programs to most Des Moines area communities. Their mission is to engage youth to think, learn, and play well. They believe that every child possesses unique talents waiting to be discovered and nurtured, and they understand the importance of fostering a love for
EXTREME STEM: ‘COPTERS & SPY PLANES
Build a helicopter, egg beater, paddle boat, and spy plane using LEGO® bricks! Then use those projects to investigate basic engineering concepts. {YEL!} s Teach It! Practice It! Play It!® classroom method emphasizes 21st Century Learning skills like STEM and problem solving. Visit YELKids.com for more information.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 9
Ages: 5-9 yrs.
Days: Tuesdays
Dates: September 16-October 21
GRANDMASTERS OF CHESS 1.1
New and returning students invited! Learn, Practice, and Play chess each class. The {YEL!} Teach it! Practice It! Play It!® method keeps students on track with new chess lessons and puzzles each week as well as guided games and in-class tournaments. Class fee includes ChessKid.com membership for the session. Visit YELKids.com for more information.
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 11
Ages: 5-11 yrs.
Days: Thursdays
Dates: September 18-October 23
Time: 5:15-6:15 PM
Cost: $100
Location: Miller Park Shelter House
Min/Max: 6/20
ROBOTICS: NATURE ‘BOTS
Help nature and our environment by studying them more closely! We’ll build a frog ’bot and discuss metamorphosis, then build a bumblebee and discuss the importance of pollination. We’ll study nature while learning computer coding and engineering skills.
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 18
Ages: 5-11 yrs.
Days: Thursdays
Dates: September 25-November 13
Time: 6:30-7:30 PM
Cost: $130
Location: Miller Park Shelter House
Min/Max: 6/16
VIDEO GAME DESIGN: FORCE WARRIORS
The legend of the Force Warriors lives on… through you! Students design their own Knights of the Rebellion, chart a course across the galaxy, and create their own epic duel with the infamous Dark Knight. Students leave class with their own video game creations.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 23
Ages: 5-9 yrs.
Days: Tuesdays
Dates: September 30-November 18
Time: 6:30-7:30 PM
Cost: $115
Location: Miller Park Shelter House
Min/Max: 6/12
BRICKTOPIA HEROIC ENGINEERS
WANTED: HEROIC ENGINEERS! Oh, no! Someone fell down the ledge and you need a machine to rescue them. What will you build? A rescue winch, a hill-busting buggy, or something new and ingenious? Join this class to learn engineering basics and become a hero for humanity. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site or program.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 21
Ages: 5-9 yrs.
Days: Tuesdays
Dates: October 28-December 2
Time: 5:15-6:15 PM
Cost: $90
Location: Miller Park Shelter House
Min/Max: 6/16
GRANDMASTERS OF CHESS 1.2
New and returning students invited! Our winter session focuses on advanced beginner and intermediate concepts. The {YEL!} Teach It! Practice It! Play It!® method keeps chess students progressing through 60+ chess lessons and thousands of puzzles as well as guided games and in-class tournaments. Class fee includes ChessKid.com membership for the session.
Registration Deadline: Thursday, October 23
Ages: 5-11 yrs.
Days: Thursdays
Dates: October 30-December 11 (No class 11/27)
(515) 984-6233 | www.polkcityia.gov
Time: 5:15-6:15 PM
Cost: $100
Location: Miller Park Shelter House
Min/Max: 6/20
ADULT PROGRAMS
STRONG
Join Amy Boyd of BA Fitness LLC for a 6-week strength series designed to help you build strength, improve form, and feel empowered! This class is perfect for all fitness levels from true beginners to advanced. Using dumbbells, bands, and sliders, we’ll focus on building balanced strength, enhancing stamina, and boosting confidence in your workouts. Each session will emphasize proper form and technique, with modifications provided so everyone can move safely and effectively. As a bonus, you’ll receive weekly nutrition education to support your recovery, body composition changes, and help you feel your very best! Whether you’re looking to gain strength, build consistency, or just try something new, this program will guide and support you every step of the way! *Drop-in option available for $12 per class.*
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 16
Ages: 18 years and older
Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Dates: September 23-October 30
FALL FEST BAGS TOURNAMENT
Time: 6:15-7 PM
Cost: $96
Location: Community Room
Min/Max: 8/16
Find us inside the Fenders beer garden (Van Dorn Street) at Fall Fest for a double elimination tournament, consisting of a single game to 21 (or more)! Registrants must sign up as a team; individuals will not be taken. Only one member per team needs to register.
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 3 at 12PM
Ages: 18 years and older
Date: Saturday, October 4
PUMPKIN SPICE & CORNHOLE NIGHTS BAGS TOURNAMENT
Time: 4-7 PM
Cost: $25
Location: Fenders Brewing
Join us for another fun and exciting bags tournament this fall! This time around we are moving indoors and setting the boards at 24’. This double elimination tournament will consist of a single game to 21 (or more). Registrants must sign up as a team; individuals will not be taken. Only one member per team needs to *Pumpkin spice is not included in this event.*
Registration Deadline: Friday, November 14
Ages: 18 years and older
Days: Friday
Dates: November 21
Time: 6-10 PM
Cost: $25
Location: American Legion Post 232
Min/Max: 8/16 TEAMS
Yoga Sculpt
A dynamic fusion of yoga, strength training, and cardio designed to tone muscles and improve flexibility. With guidance from a licensed physical therapist, you’ll safely build strength, enhance stability, and prevent injury through mindful movement and proper alignment.
HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) Class
Torch calories and build endurance with this fast-paced, full-body workout. Each session balances heavier weights and explosive cardio bursts with active recovery periods, ensuring you push your limits safely and effectively.
Glutes & Abs
Target and strengthen your core and lower body in this focused sculpt session. Classes include precise,
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, August 26
Ages: 16 years and older
Days: Tuesday-Friday
Dates: Ongoing beginning September 2
Time: 5:30-6:15 AM
Cost: $80/month; $12 drop-in
Location: Community Room
Min/Max: 8/24
SENIOR PROGRAMS
SENIOR SOCIAL HOUR (or 2)
Come join fellow Polk City seniors for a week looks like. Cards and games, check! Donuts and coffee, you bet! Potluck style lunch, BON APPETIT! For more information, please email jthraen@polkcityia.gov or call Jason at (515) 984
Ages: 55 years and older
Days: Tuesdays
Dates: Ongoing
Time: 11AM-1 PM
Location: Miller Park Shelter House
LUNCH AT THE CENTENNIAL & SHOPPING IN JEFFERSON
Iowa is full of small town, hole-in-the-wall restaurants serving mouthwatering food. Join us for lunch as we travel to The Centennial in Jefferson. The Centennial is a new dining experience where contemporary taste meets historic charm in a beautifully renovated 146-year-old building. After lunch, we will explore local shops within walking distance of the restaurant, such as The Funky Zebras, Warm Wishes Stationery, Fudge’s Flower Shop & Gifts, Greene Bean Coffee, and more! Registration includes transportation. Please bring money for your lunch.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 1
Ages: 55 years and older
Days: Wednesday
Dates: October 8
Time: 10AM-3 PM
Cost: $10
Location: Depart from Miller Park
Min/Max: 8/13
CHRISTKINDLMARKET DES MOINES & LUNCH AT HIGH LIFE LOUNGE
Lunch is served at High Life Lounge in Des Moines! Dine on tasty comfort food at this 1960’s style corner tavern with a Formica bar top, vintage wallpaper, retro light fixtures and vintage Miller beer signs. Christkindlmarket is a German-inspired Christmas market held each December at Principal Park. A variety of European-style foods, products, and activities await visitors of this unique cultural event. Registration includes transportation. Please bring money for your lunch.
Registration Deadline: Friday, December 5
Ages: 55 years and older
Days: Friday
Dates: December 12
(515) 984-6233 | www.polkcityia.gov
Time: 10:30AM-2:30 PM
Cost: $10
Location: Depart from Miller Park
SpecialEvents
POLK CITY FALL FEST
Join Polk City Parks & Recreation and Go Polk City as we celebrate all things Fall! Kids activities will include pumpkin painting, face painting, inflatables, character appearances, and more! We’ll have seasonal vendors selling their best fall treats and some delicious eating options as well. Fenders Brewing will be holding their “Fenders-Fest” right next door to boot! Prost!
Days: Saturday
Dates: October 4
Time: 2-6 PM
Location: Town Square
LETTERS TO SANTA
Let Santa know that you’ve been a good little boy or girl this year! Santa’s mailbox will be at City Hall December 1st through 15th. Bring in your letter or picture for Santa, drop it in his mailbox, and we will get them sent to the North Pole! Make sure to include your name and address so Santa can write back!
Dates: December 1-15
Location: City Hall
LIGHT UP POLK CITY
Join Go Polk City and the Parks & Recreation department as we celebrate the holiday season! Watch as Santa uses his “holiday magic” to illuminate our town square! Enjoy holiday activities and music, seasonal eats and drinks, and fire pits for keeping warm and s’mores! You’ll also have the chance to talk with Santa and let him know if you’ve been good this year. Other special winter guests will be in attendance as well. Happy Holidays!
Days: Friday
Dates: December 5
Time: 6-8 PM
Location: Town Square
SPACE RENTALS
COMMUNITY CENTER
Host your next large event at the new community room! This rentable space is located in Polk City’s city hall building (200 S. 4th St.) and is great for wedding receptions, family reunions, graduation parties, and business/group meetings. The community room features 172 chairs, 20 round tables, 20 rectangle tables, a catering kitchen, and restrooms. For more information, please visit https://www.polkcityia.gov/ parks-and-recreation/shelter-facility-rentals.
MILLER PARK SHELTER HOUSE
Located at Miller Park (401 Booth St.), the shelter house is perfect for smaller gatherings such as birthday celebrations, graduation parties, and baby/bridal showers. This climate-controlled rental space features 48 chairs, 6 tables, a full kitchen, and an indoor restroom. Miller Park also includes a play area, tennis/pickleball courts, and an open air shelter.
OPEN AIR SHELTERS
There are 2 parks in Polk City that have open air shelters. These shelters provide a great place for individuals and families to enjoy the park, have a picnic, or host a celebration. Shelters can be reserved, or are otherwise first-come, first-serve. For more information, please visit our website: https:// www.polkcityia.gov/parks-and-recreation/shelter-facility -rentals.
Twelve Oaks Park
Kiwanis Park Shelter
FIELD RENTALS
Fields at the Polk City Sports Complex are available to rent for your private practice, tournament, or event. Rental fees can be found below.
Field availability is determined once Polk City Parks & Recreation programming and Polk City nonprofit youth sports groups have been scheduled. For more information and current availability, please contact the Parks and Recreation Director at jthraen@polkcityia.gov.
Soccer Field West
Baseball/Softball Field 1
CommunityRecreation
POLK CITY COMMUNITY LIBRARY ADULT PROGRAMS
Mondays @ 9AM, Geri-Fit
Tuesdays @ 9AM, Chair Yoga
Wednesdays @ 9AM, Tai Chi
Wednesdays @ 10AM, Women’s Coffee
Thursdays @ 6PM, Sit ‘n Stitch
Fridays @ 9AM, Zumba
Fridays @ 10AM, Men’s Coffee
LOCAL FISHING
The City of Polk City works closely with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to provide accessible, quality fishing opportunities in the Polk City community. Two ponds in Polk City’s park system are stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Those ponds are located at Marina Cove Park (430 E. Southside Dr.) and Twelve Oaks Park (1349 Twelve Oaks Dr.).
A valid fishing license is required.
Those wishing to buy a fishing license, explore maps, get Iowa fishing regulations, and learn more can visit www.iowadnr.gov/fishlocal.
Marina Cove Park Pond
Twelve Oaks Park Pond
