There are 13 parks in Urbandale that have open air shelters. These shelters provide a great place for individuals and families to meet, enjoy the park or have a picnic.
Eight (8) of the City’s shelters can be rented (see below). Reservations can be made for the middle of April through the middle of October, weather permitting. When not reserved, open shelters are first-come, first-serve.
The following open shelters have electricity: Bestland Park, Bishop Family Shelter, Charles Gabus, Days Run, Gazebo at Lions Park, Lions Centennial, Murphy Park, Walker Johnston Park, Walnut Creek Regional Park.
The following open shelters do NOT have electricity: Ashleaf, Coronado, Hallbrook, Lakeview, Rocklyn.
Outdoor grills are available near the shelters in the following parks: Ashleaf, Bestland, Coronado, Hallbrook, Lakeview, Lions Centennial, Lions Gazebo, Murphy, Rocklyn, Walker Johnston, and Walnut Creek Regional Park. There are no grills available at the Bishop Family or Charles Gabus shelters.
Open Air Shelter Rental Information
The City of Urbandale Parks & Recreation Department rents open air shelters at the Bishop Family Shelter, Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park and Gardens, Lions Centennial, Lions Park Gazebo, Murphy Park, Rocklyn Park, Walker Johnston Park and Walnut Creek Regional Park. Reservations can be made for the middle of April through the middle of October, weather permitting. When not reserved, open shelters are first-come, first-serve.
Restrooms are available at: Lions Centennial & Gazebo, Walker Johnston, Rocklyn (portable), Murphy (portable), Bishop (portable), Walnut Creek Regional park (portable) and Charles Gabus (at Urbandale Library during library hours). Please note that restrooms are public and are made available for all park users. Restrooms are opened and closed for the year based on weather. Please note that restrooms may or may not be available if you rent in April or October, depending on weather.
Monday - Sunday Rental Rate:
- 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. [$50 - residents / $70 - nonresidents]
Questions? Call Urbandale Parks and Recreation at 515-278-3963
The full rental fee, plus a $50 refundable deposit is required at the time of reservation. The deposit is refunded 2 weeks after the rental through the mail, providing all the rules and regulations are followed. If the reservation is made less than two weeks before the rental date, the full amount must be paid in cash or by credit card. For more information, click here for a sample contract for the Open Air Shelters.
Credit/Debit Card Service Fees - Effective January, 2019
Please be aware that a non-refundable credit/debit card service fee of 3.95% applies to all in-office and over-the phone credit/debit card transactions with the City of Urbandale (including Parks and Recreation). To avoid the credit card transaction fee, simply make your reservation online, or pay by check or cash in office. Watch our website for further updates. Thank you!
Ashleaf Park Shelter
(3934 Mary Lynn Drive)