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Peony Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 157 Google reviews · Running trail in West Des Moines, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Peony Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Kid-friendly green space featuring a basketball court and tennis court, plus a playground.
What runners say about Peony Park
“Clean bathrooms, water fountains, dog friendly, concrete trail around the park for brisk walking or taking your dog for a run.”
“And of course the Peonies are beautiful around Memorial day!”
“There are basketball hoops, walking trail, swings, slides and places to sit and watch in the shade or the sun!”
They just redid this park and it's wonderful! Very accessible, plenty of play options for Der and younger kids, lots of shade! The bathrooms could be kept a little cleaner, which is why it lost a star from me, but otherwise it's a very nice park.
This is a small nice city park with walking trails, kids play area, ball park and picnic shelter in WDM residential area. Restrooms are clean and maintained well. There is a basketball court and tennis court open to public as well.
This little park is isolated, quiet and was much needed after a long drive leaving Colorado to get back to Pennsylvania. The people in the area are very friendly and motivational. We spent a few hours here with the kiddos while we sent a friend who was with us to do Uber in the area. For gas money to keep moving.
This park has a bit of everything. Basketball court. Tennis court. Ballfield area. And good playground area (toddlers-elementary age) with wood chips in the ground. There is even a good size shelter with two rows of picnic tables. A grill for charcoal next to the shelter. Men's and women's public restroom.
Trail conditions & character
“Clean bathrooms, water fountains, dog friendly, concrete trail around the park for brisk walking or taking your dog for a run.”
“Clean bathrooms, water fountains, dog friendly, concrete trail around the park for brisk walking or taking your dog for a run.”
“There are basketball hoops, walking trail, swings, slides and places to sit and watch in the shade or the sun!”
“Clean bathrooms, water fountains, dog friendly, concrete trail around the park for brisk walking or taking your dog for a run.”
“Clean bathrooms, water fountains, dog friendly, concrete trail around the park for brisk walking or taking your dog for a run.”
Plan your run at Peony Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewdm.iowa.gov
- Phone+1 515-222-3444
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–9 pm |
Running trails near West Des Moines
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Crossroads Park
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Willow Springs Park
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