Riverview Nature Island  

If you lived in Des Moines thirty or forty years ago and wanted some amusement rides for the kids or a company outing, you went to Riverview Park. Riverview was located on the Des Moines River on the north side of Des Moines near North High School.

In the mid-70’s, along came Adventureland amusement park. The new Adventureland purchased all of Riverview’s rides and moved what they could to the new park. Ultimately, this put the old amusement park out of business. The former Park became a public eyesore and of great concern to its neighborhood. Something needed to be done. It had sat vacant and abused for about ten years—it became overgrown with trees and brush; its lagoon became a dumping place; and most of its buildings were vandalized or burned. Its major attractions, like the wooden roller coaster, had been moved to Adventureland.

In 1991, the Kiwanis clubs on the north side of Des Moines joined the Highland Park and Oak Park neighbors in developing a plan to rejuvenate the former amusement park. That plan was to clean it up and eventually turn it into a nature preserve.

Kiwanians suggested the property be developed for the use of children, following their mission of "Young Children, Priority One." A nonprofit corporation was formed involving all the Kiwanis Clubs in central Iowa, and a major cleanup and redevelopment effort was undertaken. A master plan was commissioned that directs the use of the area be for nature studies - most unusual within an urban setting. Money was raised, a naturalist hired, a nature center was created in the adjoining McHenry Park, and a wonderful new bridge and gazebos were built.

Environmental concerns on nearby land, the possible rebuilding of the Des Moines River levee, and the constant struggle of raising money have caused the Board to step back and reexamine its mission. Should the park be used, as most parks are in the city, for enjoying the out of doors? Should a major development be undertaken to house environmental education? Should a naturalist be re-employed? These were, and continue to be, the questions and concerns of Kiwanis Riverview Nature Island today.

One of our members, Jim Underwood, has been on the KRNI Board since its inception. He has spearheaded numerous volunteer activities at the Nature Island, and many times he was seen there mowing lawns and picking up trash. Lois Smith Underwood has served on the Board as well, and handled many of the fundraising and events activities over the years.

Currently, Ed Linebach (a member of the Downtown Club) is chair of the board. Due to his enthusiasm, we have hosted two KidsFests in July of 2005 and 2006, Easter Egg Hunts, and the Highland Park FallFest (hayrack rides, wiener roasts, etc.)

The Nature Island Board, with the assistance of our Division's Lt. Governors, is in the process of rebuilding itself, and adding many new members who are committed to protecting nature and teaching about it. Paul Ahlers, Chris Williams, and Jim currently represent our Club on the board. Lt. Governors, by virtue of being a Lt. Governor, are board members, so Don Wiebold, Steve Siemens, Paul Strayer, Cap Capper, and others have served.

We need Kiwanis and community support to see that this historical resource, in the heart of the city, is preserved and well used. While it gets some use, e.g., North High science teachers conduct aquatic learning sessions at the lagoon, it must be cared for and updated. Contact Jim Underwood at 245-7800 or jimichs@aol.com if you would like to know more, are willing to become a part of this project in some capacity. Your help is needed!

The 2006 Easter Egg Hunt at Rivervies Nature Island.

Even the Easter Bunny knows it's all about the kids!