Des Moines High Schools Race to Modernize Athletic Facilities

Des Moines Public Schools is currently in the middle of a significant infrastructure overhaul, funneling approximately $15 million into the development of new synthetic turf fields and 8-lane competitive tracks. The investment targets four specific campuses: East, Hoover, Lincoln, and North High Schools.

This push to upgrade the district’s athletic facilities comes as the competitive environment for prep sports in Central Iowa continues to shift. While the Central Iowa Metro League (CIML) remains a major presence, the landscape is evolving. North High School, for instance, opted to exit the CIML in 2021 to join the 11-school Iowa Alliance Conference, leaving other district peers like East, Hoover, and Lincoln to maintain their participation in the CIML. Across these institutions, students access a total of 17 different sports, ranging from football and soccer to swimming and tennis.

Building for a Wider Athletic Reach

The district’s current approach balances these high-level facility upgrades with the standard registration process required for all student-athletes. Participation requires an annual physical exam, a signed concussion form, and a $15 registration fee. These protocols are standard across the five DMPS high schools, which serve as the primary hubs for student participation in sports like wrestling, basketball, cross country, and track.

Beyond the classroom-based sports programs, the broader Des Moines community remains heavily engaged in recreational activity. The city’s Parks and Recreation department continues to offer a dense schedule of adult leagues-including coed sand volleyball, men's and women's basketball, fast-pitch softball, and indoor wiffle ball. Meanwhile, organizations like i9 Sports have maintained a presence in the area since 2009, managing youth leagues for children as young as three in sports such as baseball and flag football.

Community Sports Beyond the School Gates

The diversity of local athletic options is bolstered by specialized groups like the Pride Sports League of Central Iowa. Founded in 2012, this nonprofit facilitates a range of activities for the local LGBTQ community, including indoor volleyball, dodgeball, and a running club. Competitive and recreational avenues also extend to niche sports, such as the Des Moines Roller Derby and the Des Moines Rugby Club, which utilizes practice facilities in West Des Moines.

For those interested in soccer, the Central Iowa Coed Soccer (CICS) league continues to operate as the largest recreational program of its kind in the state. They draw significant numbers of participants to local venues, including the Midamerican Energy Company RecPlex in West Des Moines. Students and families looking to participate in upcoming seasons are encouraged to monitor registration portals through the respective league websites or the Des Moines Public Schools activities office for the latest updates on program openings and facility availability.