Welcome to The Principal Riverwalk
The Principal Riverwalk features lighted, landscaped public spaces, world-class public art and unique pedestrian bridges and pathways that connect 300 miles of Central Iowa trails. The project was a gift to the City of Des Moines in honor of the 125th anniversary of the Principal Financial Group.
Since ground was broken in 2004, we’ve been working to strengthen the heart of our city, unite the east and west sides of downtown and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Completed amenities of The Principal Riverwalk include:
- Brenton Skating Plaza
- Long Look Garden
- Union Railroad Bridge
- Hansen Triangle
- Meredith Trail and connector to Gray’s Lake
Future amenities include:
- Center Street Bridge — expected to open summer 2010
- Court Avenue Plaza (east and west) — construction began in 2009
- Promenade & Multi-Use Trail — construction began in 2009
We’re working toward completion of the project in 2011.
With approval from the Army Corps of Engineers, we’re now able to tap into federal water and energy funding that has been allocated for the project in 2008 and 2009. Combined with the original funding provided by the Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc., and additional support from the City of Des Moines, Vision Iowa, federal grants, many generous corporate and individual donors, The Principal Riverwalk is now 75 percent funded
We’ll continue to work on securing additional funding from both public and private sources, including seeking additional federal funding in 2010 and 2011.
Create a Connection: Buy a Brick!
Honor someone you know with a commemorative brick that will surround the landings on either side of the Center Street Bridge – the focal point of The Principal Riverwalk and a Central Iowa landmark.
Honor someone you care about. Give a lasting gift. Go to theprincipalriverwalk.org to buy your brick today!
