Valley Southwoods Freshman High is located at 625 South 35th Street, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265-2053.
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Raccoon River Park, located in the southeast part of the city, is the "crown jewel" of the West Des Moines Parks system. The 631.61 acres of parkland provide active and passive recreational experiences, along with several hundred acres of natural areas for wildlife.
Blue Heron Lake, a 232 acre lake is the center piece of the park, and provides boat access for area fishing enthusiasts and water lovers. The entire lake is designated as a no wake zone, thus providing a more passive recreational experience. The lake is managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and home to a wide variety of species of fish.
The park also features a 700 foot beach that is open for public swimming throughout the summer during daylight hours. It's an excellent place to cool off on a hot summer's day. The beach does not have lifeguards on duty.
The park is home to the West Des Moines Soccer Club. The soccer complex features a multi-field setup that provides a great setting for area youth of varying abilities to enjoy the sport. For information regarding joining a soccer team, please contact the WDM Soccer Club at 222-0079.
Raccoon River Park is also the home for the West Des Moines Adult Softball Leagues. This five field tournament quality complex is available for league play, tournaments and rentals. The irrigated fields and state of the art facilities make this one of the nicest and most desirable softball complexes in the midwest. Raccoon River Park Complex has hosted a variety of national, state and regional tournaments along with a full slate of local league play.
There are several picnic shelters along the north end of the lake that provide a place for people to enjoy the great outdoors. The shelters may be reserved for private use throughout the summer months. To check availability or make a reservation please call 222-3444, Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
The park also offers a 3.2 mile crushed rock/asphalt nature trail around the entire lake. The trail winds its way between the lake and the Raccoon River providing a natural experience that can rarely be found in an urban environment. The trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the lake.
The Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge sits on the northwest end of the lake. The lodge is a multipurpose facility that is used for Parks and Recreation programs. The building also plays host to weddings, family reunions, business meetings and much more. The lodge's staff also offer many activities for schools or groups to learn about our environment. For more information please call 222-3424.
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Fishing Pier
Situated along the western banks of Blue Heron Lake, sits an accessible fishing pier for area fisherman to enjoy. The 50 foot long pier provides excellent access for fishing enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
With adjacent parking, and handicapped access to the pier, this park amenity is utilized heavily throughout the year. The pier is easy to find once you arrive at the park. Just take a left turn as you enter the park and you will see the pier on your right hand side.
Swimming Beach
If relaxing on the sands of a large beach during a hot Iowa summer is your idea of a good time, the Raccoon River Park has the place for you! This 500 foot long beach overlooks Blue Heron Lake and provides a great place to cool off on a hot summer day.
There are no lifeguards on duty, so the beach is a swim at your own risk beach. Swimming is allowed in designated areas (roped area at beach) only, except for organized activities approved by the director of parks and recreation. No swimming is allowed from boats. Inner tubes, air mattresses, or other beach toy type items are allowed in designated areas only.
The beach is open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10:30am until sunset. Bring your blanket, beach ball, and picnic basket, and enjoy a day out in the sun!
Source: http://www.wdm-ia.com/Index.aspx?page=224
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