Metro Trail Loop Plan Advances in West Des Moines Budget Talks

City leaders in West Des Moines are weighing a major parks and recreation investment that would stitch together trails across the community into a continuous 26.2-mile loop.

Marathon Loop Proposal

Parks and Recreation staff have requested roughly $5 million in the upcoming fiscal year budget to support 15 separate projects designed to close gaps between existing trails and parks. When complete, the so-called Marathon Loop would give runners, cyclists and walkers a full circuit across the city without retracing their steps.

About 14 miles of the loop are already in place. The remaining segments would be built in phases, with four additional miles targeted over the next year or two if funding is approved.

Key Connections

Among the proposed projects is a 1.5-mile Raccoon River East Greenway segment connecting Raccoon River Park to the new First Street Recreation Area. Another priority is a one-mile link from the Athene Pedestrian Bridge to the Great Western Trail near the golf course.

That Great Western connection would require negotiations with private landowners. Current funding would cover design and land acquisition, with construction dollars expected to follow in a later budget cycle.

Improvements are also planned for Valley View Park, including a new internal road to better connect the aquatic center and sports courts.

What It Means for the Region

While the proposal sits just west of Des Moines city limits, the regional trail network continues to function as shared infrastructure across Polk County. Expanded connectivity can ease car trips for short distances, support tourism events and add long-term value to surrounding neighborhoods.

The City Council will consider the funding request as part of broader budget deliberations this spring.

Sources

https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/03/23/west-des-moines-builds-marathon-loop