Walker Johnston Park is a well-known city park in Urbandale, famous for its skateboard park, playgrounds, pond, and sports facilities. So whether you’re looking for a place to play, skate, or picnic, this park should top your list!
Paved trails and walking paths wind through the park, and to the Urbandale library and beyond. So you can park anywhere and explore on foot.
Things to do at Walker Johnston Park
Go skating at the skateboard park!
The skateboard park is one of the most popular stops in the park! According to the City of Urbandale website, it has the following features:
- Two escalated quarter pipes (20 feet wide)
- Two sets of stairs with rails
- 90-degree bank street hip
- Funbox
- Street spine
It’s important to note it’s unsupervised and is for skateboards and skates only – no bikes or scooters allowed. For more details, see the website.
Play at the playgrounds
There are a few play areas throughout the park, and the kids enjoy them all! The main play area is near the skateboard park and has a fast giant hillside slide. Also, a wooden playground with a tower and climbing options is back by the pond. And there’s a play area with tiny houses for younger kids near the tennis court parking area.
Explore the one-acre pond
According to the Iowa DNR, the pond has excellent shore fishing! But, even without a fishing pole, it’s fun to explore the water’s edge and enjoy the scenery.
Have a picnic
Walker Johnston is perfect for a picnic, with several picnic areas throughout. Plus, the open-air shelter is reservable and otherwise first-come, first-serve.
But that’s not all! The Giovannetti community shelter is a 3000-square foot four-season space with a commercial kitchen and fireplace. It’s reservable and a popular spot for weddings and events.
Play sports!
Play tennis or pickleball!
- Four pickleball courts (near the entrance)
- Eight public tennis courts
- Free to use and open to the public
- Tennis courts are reservable; pickleball courts are not.
- Sometimes they’re used for instruction or tournaments. Check the calendar for details.
Baseball/Softball Complex. Four ballfields are near the main entrance. They’re available to rent for tournaments and other play. See the website for details.
Soccer Fields. Soccer fields are near the skateboard park.
Pokemon Go
And, if you play Pokemon Go, Walker Johnston Park is a popular spot for this fun activity!
Map of Walker Johnston Park
Things to Do Nearby
Visit the Urbandale Library. This 56,000 square-foot library is a great place to stop when visiting Walker Johnston Park. Even better – you can reach it by trail!
Colby Woods Open Space & paved trails. This small area to the southeast has public art, trails, a playground, and picnic areas.
Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park & Garden. This lovely garden area is near the park, just south of the library off of the trail. It has flowers, trees, a fountain, and public art for all to enjoy!
Clive Greenbelt Trail. This 7.9-mile paved trail winds along Walnut Creek and through dense woods – in an urban setting! To get to it from the park, take the paved trail southeast to the intersection near Sam’s Club in Windsor Heights.
Laura A Ward Park. This little gem is just a mile northwest of the park with a fishing pond, picnic tables, and public art.
Visit Walker Johnston Park Today!
Walker Johnston Park is at 9000 Douglas Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322. Park hours are 6:30 am to 10:00 pm.
