New maps help visitors, residents access area trails, culture

Posted Jan 5, 2010
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Two new, up-to-date maps designed to help users locate the Des Moines area's recreational trails and cultural hot spots are now available.

Des Moines By Tom Perry tperry@dmreg.com January 6, 2010 One map showcases all the hiking, biking and walk trails in the area. The other map features recreation trails in and around downtown. The difference between these new maps and older maps is that new maps pinpoint public art, including the new John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. "This is the first time that public art has been included on a map with walking trails for downtown," said Tiffany Tauscheck of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. Although many metro area residents are likely to find the maps useful, most of them are likely to end up in the hands of visitors and tourists, she said. "We have been hearing in surveys that visitors want to explore our parks and trails and want it to be easier to find everything from all of the hotels," Tauscheck said. About 50,000 copies of the maps will be distributed to area hotels, the information kiosk at the Des Moines International Airport, Iowa Health - Des Moines hospitals which include Iowa Methodist, Iowa Lutheran, Blank Children's Hospital and Methodist West Hospital- Des Moines City Hall information desk, Greater Des Moines libraries and various outdoor enthusiast shops before spring. The maps are available for download immediately at SeeDesMoines.com/trails. The bureau, Iowa Health Des Moines and the City of Des Moines Park and Recreation Department collaborated to produce the maps.