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OPN ARCHITECTS + <br />CITY OF LITTLE CANADA 16 <br />OPN Architects and Confluence teamed to provide site design and landscape <br />architecture services for a new boathouse to be located at Blue Heron Lake <br />in West Des Moines, Iowa. The siting of this structure was unique in that the <br />entire lower story of the boathouse was designed to withstand the intermittent <br />flooding that occurs seasonally within Raccoon River Park. The lower story of <br />the structure provides kayak and other small water craft storage that park users <br />can rent. There is access to a dock with 12 slips, an accessible kayak launch, <br />and gathering space where park staff can instruct small groups on the use of the <br />various equipment available. <br />The upper story of the facility, which is accessed by stairs as well as an accessible <br />ramp system, provides a rental and concession area as well as restrooms for <br />the facility users. An upper terrace provides an area where park patrons can <br />relax and enjoy the view of all that the lake has to offer. On-site personal kayak <br />storage, bicycle racks, and a boat ramp are also available. The Raccoon River <br />Park Boathouse opened in summer 2020, offering a connection to the growing <br />water trail network of Central Iowa. <br />Relevant Project Experience <br />Raccoon River Boathouse <br />Disaster-ready boathouse a vital hub in community’s water trail network <br />Location West Des Moines, Iowa <br />Year 2020 <br />Delivery Design-Bid-Build <br />Size 2,800 square feet <br />Cost $2,000,000 <br />Contact Ryan Penning <br /> Parks and Recreation Director <br /> (515) 222-3448 <br /> ryan.penning@wdm.iowa.gov