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
‘Tis the season for cold weather and the new program brochure! We’ve got a mix of classic, returning programs, as well as some new, exciting offerings this season. I am looking forward to Dinky Dunkers this winter. I enjoy watching the improvement from week to week for these kindergarten athletes. Personally, I really enjoy snowshoeing and fat biking, followed by hot cocoa! And of course, no holiday season is complete without watching Home Alone.
ALLISON VEHIGE, COORDINATOR
Happy holidays! I am excited to kick off the new year and am already ready for the warm weather to return. But while winter is here, I do love to go Christmas shopping and sledding! I also love cozying up with my husband and two cats to watch the Santa Claus movies starring Tim Allen, with a mug of hot cocoa, of course (made with milk, obviously). This season, I am most looking forward to our senior trip to Pella to hopefully see all the blooming tulips!
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
PRE-K PLAYDAY
In partnership with the Polk City Community Library, we are offering an open play time! Full of sensory toys, fun structures, and musical instruments, drop in for the fun for FREE! Parent attendance is required. Ages: Up to 5 yrs.
Days: Fourth Friday of the Month
Dates: January 23, February 27, March 27, April 24, May 22
Time: 9-11 AM
Location: City Hall Community Room
WHAT IS START SMART?
Start Smart is a program series designed by the National Alliance for Youth Sports alongside top motor skill development specialists to help little athletes build confidence, strengthen motor skills, and learn about different sports. These programs are unique in that parents or guardians get to help play coach alongside us! While we are teaching our little athletes to properly kick or throw a ball, we are also showing how to coach those skills. Start Smart programs encourage quality time, positive early experiences in sports, and of course, tons of fun. Throughout the year, we offer multiple Start Smart programs: Baseball, Soccer, Football, Basketball, and Move & Play. Our Start Smart Move & Play program is a bit different than the other sport-specific programs we offer. In this program, we focus on the foundational fine and gross motor skills that are built upon in sports, school projects, and other activities. Check out our upcoming Start Smart programs on the next page!
(515) 984-6233 | www.polkcityia.gov
START SMART MOVE & PLAY
This is an introductory program focused on developing fine and gross motor skills for children 1-3 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, March 31
Ages: 1-3 yrs.
Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Dates: April 7-16
Time: 5-5:30 PM
Cost: $20
Location: City Hall Community Room
Min/Max: 8/16
START SMART BASEBALL
This is an organized, introductory baseball program for the first time player. Parents will interact and learn
YOUTH PROGRAMS
DINKY DUNKERS
DRIBBLE, PASS, SCORE! Dinky Dunkers is an introductory basketball program for children in kindergarten. Participants will learn the fundamentals and basic rules of the game. Each 60-minute practice will be split into skills/drills and organized scrimmages. Separate leagues will be offered for boys and girls. Practice times will vary by week. We are looking for volunteer coaches! Email jthraen@polkcityia.gov if interested!
Registration Deadline: Friday, January 2
Ages: Kindergarten
Days: Saturdays
Dates: January 24-February 28
Time: 8 AM-2 PM
Cost: $40
Location: Big Creek Elementary Gym
YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE
This league is designed to teach basketball fundamentals, promote sportsmanship, experience teamwork, and introduce competition to athletes in 1st and 2nd grade. Each 60-minute practice will be split into skills/ drills and organized scrimmages. Separate leagues will be offered for boys and girls. Practice times may vary by week. Volunteer coaches are needed! If interested, please email Jason at jthraen@polkcityia.gov.
Registration Deadline: Friday, January 2
Ages: 1st and 2nd Grade
Days: Saturdays
DODGEBALL DERIVATIVES
Keep your kids active after school by joining Dodgeball Derivatives! We’ll explore several different ways to play the game of dodgeball like Artillery, Shipwreck, Minefield, and Last One Standing, all while using our
Games, and we’ll try a hand at bouldering, indoor archery, and more at Jester Park! Participants will be transported by Parks & Recreation staff. *Please note different age groups and times when registering.*
PERFECT GAMES
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 10
Ages: 7-9 yrs.
JESTER PARK
Registration Deadline: Thursday, March 12
Ages: 10-12 yrs.
Days: Tuesday Days: Thursday
Dates: March 17
Time: 12-4:30 PM
Cost: $45
Location: Miller Park
Min/Max: 10/13
Dates: March 19
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Cost: $35
Location: Miller Park
Min/Max: 10/13
BABYSITTING BASICS
Become a better babysitter with Iowa State University Extension! Participants will learn about the responsibilities of a babysitter, what employers expect, and how to care for infants and toddlers. Youth learn about age appropriate toys and activities, safety, and basic first aid. All participants receive a book filled with information about childcare as well as a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
Registration Deadline: Monday, April 27
Ages: 10-18 yrs.
Days: Monday
Dates: May 4
Time: 9 AM-3 PM
Cost: $45
Location: Miller Park Shelter House
Min/Max: 10/16
more information, click on the organization’s logo:
Polk City has several organizations offering youth sports opportunities throughout the year.
Polk City Parks & Recreation is excited to continue partnering with Bricks 4 Kidz® this winter and spring! Bricks 4 Kidz® offers project-based programs designed to teach early principles and methods of engineering and architecture using LEGO® bricks. These programs are a great mix of technic model building, creative basic brick building and other engaging challenges and projects. Some programs may have a theme while others highlight a specific end project but all programs are intended to trigger your young builder’s lively imagination, encourage problem solving and enable children to learn through play.
MONDAY FUNDAY LEGO® WORKSHOPS
Join Bricks-4-Kidz on no-school Mondays this Winter and Spring for a fun-filled 3-hour LEGO® workshop! Each workshop we will offer a fun and engaging theme with a variety of activities using thousands of LEGO® Bricks! Come for one or join us for all four! At Bricks-4-Kidz, school is out but learning is still IN! *When registering, please note there are four sessions. Registering for one does not sign you up for every session.*
ALL SESSIONS:
Ages: 5-12 yrs.
Days: Mondays
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Cost: $40/session
Location: City Hall Community Room
Min/Max: 6/16
WINTER WONDERLAND
Date: January 5
Registration Deadline: Monday, December 29
ART WITH LEGO®
Date: February 2
Registration Deadline: Monday, January 26 Horse sleighs, winter mosaics, 3D builds
Spin art machine, crafts, 3D builds
SPRING HAS SPRUNG
Date: April 6
Registration Deadline: Monday, March 30
MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU
Date: May 4
Registration Deadline: Monday, April 27 Dragonfly, spring critter mosaics and 3D builds Rebel Fighter zip line, Star Wars mosaics, 3D builds
SPRING BREAK LEGO® BUILDERS MINI-CAMP
Join Bricks-4-Kidz this Spring Break for this fun 3-day LEGO® Mini-Camp! Each day we will offer a fun and engaging theme with a variety of technic, 3D, mosaic, and Master Builder challenges using thousands of LEGO® Bricks!
Registration Deadline: Monday, March 9
Ages: 5-12 yrs.
Days: Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday
Dates: March 16-18
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Cost: $110
Location: City Hall Community Room
Min/Max: 6/16
ADULT PROGRAMS
STRONG
Join Amy Boyd of BA Fitness LLC for an 8-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!
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, December 30
Ages: 18 years and older
Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Dates: January 6-February 26
Time: 6:15-7 PM
Cost: $128/session; $12 drop-in
Location: City Hall Community Room
Min/Max: 8/16
SUPER BAGS TOURNAMENT
Need an excuse to brave the cold and get out of the house this winter AND get hyped for the big game? Join us for this WARM and DRY indoor bags tournament to win your own championship trophy! This doubleelimination tournament will consist of a single game to 21 or more. Due to space, boards will be set up at 24’. Registrants must sign up as a team; individuals will not be taken. Only one team member needs to register.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, January 28
Ages: 18 years and older
Days: Friday
Dates: January 30
Time: 6-10 PM
Cost: $25
Location: American Legion Post 232
Min/Max: 8/16 TEAMS
RESTORATIVE STRETCHING
Join us for a restorative stretching session led by licensed physical therapist Angie Stender! Classes will be designed to help you release tension, improve flexibility, and promote overall well-being. These guided sessions will focus on gentle, mindful movements that restore balance to your body while addressing areas of tightness and discomfort. Perfect for all fitness levels, restorative stretching supports recovery, enhances mobility, and helps you move with greater ease and comfort. Come unwind, reset, and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Each session is one month long. This is a great add-on for Rise & Grinders!
Registration Deadline: Ongoing
Ages: 16 years and older
Days: Sundays
Dates: January 4-May 31
Time: 7-8 PM
Cost: $32/session; $12 drop-in
Location: City Hall Community Room
Min/Max: 8/24
WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE CLASS
Learn some tips and tricks in keeping yourself safe with the Polk City Police Department! Officers Delaney and Whipple will cover a variety of topics including but not limited to defense tactics, basic strikes, crime prevention, and personal security. Whether you’re headed off to college soon, want to freshen up on personal safety measures, or just want to be more prepared to protect yourself, this class is for you!
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 17
Ages: 14 years and older
Days: Tuesday
Cost: Free
Dates: March 24
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: City Hall Community Room
Min/Max: 8/20
(515) 984-6233 | www.polkcityia.gov
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
Registration Deadline: Ongoing
Ages: 16 years and older
Days: Tuesday-Friday
Dates: Ongoing beginning January 6
Time: 5:30-6:15 AM
Cost: $80/session; $12 drop-in
Location: Community Room
Min/Max: 8/24
(515) 984-6233 | www.polkcityia.gov
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
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
EXPLORE PELLA
Time: 10:30AM-2:30 PM
Cost: $10
Location: Depart from Miller Park
Back by popular demand, a trip to Pella is on the calendar! Join us as we explore “A Touch of Holland” right here in central Iowa we’ll enjoy all downtown Pella has to offer. Points of interest will include Central Park, Brinkhoff Park, the Klokkenspel, Jaarsma Bakery, and over 300,000 beautiful tulips! Registration includes
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, April 22
Ages: 55 years and older
Days: Wednesday
Dates: April 29
Time: 9AM-3 PM
Cost: $10
Location: Depart from Miller Park
Min/Max: 8/13
SpecialEvents
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, music, and seasonal eats and drinks! 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
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
HEARTS & CARDS BINGO NIGHT
Cross your heart and hope to WIN! Grab your friends and family for this Valentine’s-themed BINGO night decked out with sweet and salty prizes. Don’t worry, we won’t make you win popcorn to snack on, that’s on the house! Pay per chair, one card per player.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, February 11
Ages: All Welcome
Days: Friday
Dates: February 13
Time: 7-8:30 PM
Cost: $5
Location: City Hall Community Room
PARKS
DOC SIMMER MEMORIAL PARK
608 Tyler Street
This 1.46 acre neighborhood park features benches and open space.
KIWANIS PARK
451 N 3rd Street
This park is a 1.85 acre neighborhood park, home to a picnic shelter with tables, open space, tetherball, disc golf, a basketball court, and a sand volleyball court.
LEONARD PARK
413 N Parker Boulevard
This 1.59 acre neighborhood park features a playground (for ages 2-12), open space, and a multi-use trail that connects to the Neal Smith Trail.
LOST LAKE PARK
504 N Broadway Street
Our newest neighborhood park sits at 3.81 acres, featuring a playground (for ages 2-12), a gaga ball pit, native plantings, open space, and a multi-use trail.
MARINA COVE PARK
430 E Southside Drive
This 2.74 acre park is home to a playground (for ages 5-12), a fishing pond, open space, and a trail.
MILLER PARK
401 Booth Street
This park is a 2.39 acre neighborhood park, featuring a shelter with picnic tables, a playground (for ages 5-12), tennis and pickleball courts, and a shelter house available for rent.
MORSE FAMILY PARK
1409 Westside Drive
This 0.55 acre neighborhood park features open space, picnic tables, and natural playscapes.
SPORTS COMPLEX
1701 W Bridge Street
This 12.63 acre park is home to soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, batting cages, and a playground (for ages 5-12).
TOWN SQUARE
107 S 3rd Street
This 1 acre park features a playground (for ages 2-12), a historic bandstand, a bike repair station, picnic tables, benches, and open space. It is often the home of festivals and events and is surrounded by local businesses.
TWELVE OAKS PARK
1349 Twelve Oaks Drive
This park is a 4.52 acre neighborhood park, featuring a shelter with picnic tables, open space, a fishing pond, and a trail.
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 Shelter
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
