Union Park
515-237-1386
parks@dmgov.org
2009 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
Acres: 51.0
Amenities: Accessible Playgrounds with 2 Toddler Bucket Swings and 1 Fully Accessible Swing, Enclosed Shelters, Open Shelter, Splash Pool, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Benches, Charcoal Grills, Drinking Fountain, Parking Lots, Tennis Courts and Open Space.
The Rocketslide at Union Park, due to age and usage, has considerable damage and needs to be replaced. This project is planned to undergo construction and be finished in 2024.
The first Rocketslide was part of Astro City, a playground launched in 1967 at the National Recreation and Park Congress in Miami Beach, FL. Due to the space craze of the 1950s and 1960s, the playground was incredibly popular.
The Rocketslide connected to the Agena Tower, the middle structure of the play set, and had stainless steel ribs that protected the fiberglass surface from wear. Union Park's were removed at some point.
Des Moines Astro City opened to the public on July 23rd, 1971, to a huge success. It cost $6,200 (the equivalent of $42,500 today). Modern equipment in the present can cost up to $300,000.
In 1992, the manufacturer of the rocket slide sent a letter to the City of Des Moines recommending that the structure be removed due to the lack of replacement parts and noncompliance of safety code. However, residents came out in support of keeping the playground due to its local significance. Neighborhood children formed the Save the Rocket Slide for Kids Kimmittee and circulated a petition that received 30 signatures. The mayor at the time, Mayor John Pat Dorrian and others criticism the Miracle Playground manufacturer for sending their letter, and instead claimed the playground was safe and Miracle Playground was simply trying to limit the company's liability. With the support of local Jaycees, sheet metal workers union, and other businesses, the City made the necessary upgrades to the rocket slide to save it. New metal decks and metal mesh were installed along the walkways and the entire structure was painted.
There have been significant changes of the slide in its 50 years. Some of these changes include a surface with a newly poured in place rubber surface, and repainting for corrosion protection as well as to cover graffiti.
Current compliance issues include the need for the surface to be replaced, the ramp being too steep, the minor head entrapment on the stairs, the slides being too steep and too close to their posts, and bolts that are considered to be minor protrusions.
Current structural issues include the non-slip decking being worn smooth, steps and floor plates deteriorating, the paint chipping and allowing corrosion, and the need for inspection of joints between floor panels.
The City of Des Moines plans to replace the surface of the playground, make custom slide replacements, mitigate hazards and repaint, have structural inspections, remove protrusion hazards, and paint the overall structure.
The first Rocketslide was part of Astro City, a playground launched in 1967 at the National Recreation and Park Congress in Miami Beach, FL. Due to the space craze of the 1950s and 1960s, the playground was incredibly popular.
The Rocketslide connected to the Agena Tower, the middle structure of the play set, and had stainless steel ribs that protected the fiberglass surface from wear. Union Park's were removed at some point.
Des Moines Astro City opened to the public on July 23rd, 1971, to a huge success. It cost $6,200 (the equivalent of $42,500 today). Modern equipment in the present can cost up to $300,000.
In 1992, the manufacturer of the rocket slide sent a letter to the City of Des Moines recommending that the structure be removed due to the lack of replacement parts and noncompliance of safety code. However, residents came out in support of keeping the playground due to its local significance. Neighborhood children formed the Save the Rocket Slide for Kids Kimmittee and circulated a petition that received 30 signatures. The mayor at the time, Mayor John Pat Dorrian and others criticism the Miracle Playground manufacturer for sending their letter, and instead claimed the playground was safe and Miracle Playground was simply trying to limit the company's liability. With the support of local Jaycees, sheet metal workers union, and other businesses, the City made the necessary upgrades to the rocket slide to save it. New metal decks and metal mesh were installed along the walkways and the entire structure was painted.
There have been significant changes of the slide in its 50 years. Some of these changes include a surface with a newly poured in place rubber surface, and repainting for corrosion protection as well as to cover graffiti.
Current compliance issues include the need for the surface to be replaced, the ramp being too steep, the minor head entrapment on the stairs, the slides being too steep and too close to their posts, and bolts that are considered to be minor protrusions.
Current structural issues include the non-slip decking being worn smooth, steps and floor plates deteriorating, the paint chipping and allowing corrosion, and the need for inspection of joints between floor panels.
The City of Des Moines plans to replace the surface of the playground, make custom slide replacements, mitigate hazards and repaint, have structural inspections, remove protrusion hazards, and paint the overall structure.
Learn more about the history of Union Park with this Did You Know Presentation.
