The park was originally established on land donated to the city, merging two distinct parcels that now function as a single contiguous green space.
The Merrill Rose Garden is one of the oldest public gardens in the region, maintained by city staff to highlight mid-western floral adaptability.
The park borders the Des Moines Art Center, allowing for a seamless transition between outdoor recreation and public sculpture viewing.
The Ashworth Pool, located within the park boundaries, is a historic landmark for the city's municipal swimming programs.
Greenwood-Ashworth Park is a 136-acre expanse in Des Moines that connects the Greenwood Park grounds with the adjacent Ashworth Pool area. The site features the historic Merrill Rose Garden, which showcases over 1,500 rose bushes representing numerous varieties. The park provides access to the Greenwood-Ashworth Trail, a paved route frequently used for walking and cycling. The terrain encompasses significant topographical shifts, including rolling hills and heavily wooded ravines. It serves as a primary hub for city-wide recreational activities, offering proximity to cultural institutions situated along Grand Avenue.
The center of the Merrill Rose Garden, specifically when the roses are at full bloom with the trellis in the background.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to navigate the hilly, unpaved trails found in the wooded eastern sections of the park.
Visit during the early summer months to view the peak bloom cycle of the Merrill Rose Garden.
Check the local municipal parks calendar for seasonal facility closures regarding the swimming pool.
Assuming all paths are paved; the eastern ravine trails are rugged and become muddy after rainfall.
The outdoor swimming pool operates strictly on a seasonal basis during summer months only.
Leash laws apply to all pets; stay on marked trails to protect native plant restoration areas.
