FuseDSM Monthly Luncheon Redefining Community Engagement: The Success Story of Des Moines Parks and Recreation"

The FuseDSM Monthly Luncheon will typically be held on the 1st Thursday of every month. Each month the Chamber invites a dynamic speaker to provide timely information affecting our community, insight on issues concerning the community, or inspirational stories which resonate within the community. 

There is networking time prior to the start of the program and lunch being served. This is the monthly event you do not want to miss to maintain those important relationships with your fellow members. 
 

 Discover the Excellence of Des Moines Parks and Recreation

Join us for an inspiring presentation that delves into the exceptional services, programs, facilities, and volunteer opportunities provided by Des Moines Parks and Recreation. Learn how this dynamic department, recognized in 2022 as the top-performing parks and recreation department in the United States, has masterfully navigated challenges to deliver outstanding value to our community.

Discover the innovative strategies that have enabled Des Moines Parks and Recreation to do more with less, harnessing the power of innovation, volunteers, and numerous public-private partnerships.
Hear the compelling story of how this department has redefined service delivery, ensuring that our community continues to thrive.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how Des Moines Parks and Recreation is setting a
benchmark for excellence and making a significant impact on our community. 

Presented by:

Ben Page, Director of Parks and Recreation
 

Ben Page is a park and recreation professional skilled in departmental leadership, who has positively contributed to quality-of-life enhancements within small and large communities. Ben genuinely believes that all communities benefit from park and recreation services and that these investments are essential.

Ben was named director of the Des Moines Park and Recreation Department in November of 2012.  He is responsible for, a $15 million operating budget and six-year $50+ million capital improvement program; 60 full-time and over 300 part-time employees; multiple contracts, leases and operating agreements to provide privatized service; 77 parks and open spaces; over 4000 acres of park and open space land; 70 miles of paved trails; 3 golf courses; aquatic centers and beach; marina; community recreation centers; sports complexes; performing arts amphitheaters; world-class artists sculpture park; riverwalk; AAA baseball stadium; zoological park; botanical center; city-wide streetscapes; cemeteries; skating plaza; and recreational programming. The department was recognized in 2023 with the National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal, an award given annually to only 4 cities, divided into 4 population categories that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management and innovative approaches to delivering superb park and recreation services with fiscally sound business practices.

Prior to his appointment as Director, he served as the Assistant Director in Des Moines for 6 years.  He has been a member of the National Recreation and Park Association and Iowa Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) since 2001 and has served in many capacities for IPRA, including the President of the Association from 2009-2011.  Ben received the highest honor from Iowa Park and Recreation Association, Slattery / Trueblood Professional Award in 2015.  Ben was also recognized in 2013 by the Business Record of Des Moines as a 40 under 40 award recipient for career achievements, community involvement and civic activities. In 2024, Ben was honored to receive the “Making a Difference Community Service Award”, from Fuse DSM.