Going to the Lauridsen Amphitheater to see rock band Styx on Friday? Here's where to park.
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Tickets loaded on my phone? Check. Styx band merch on? Check. Where will I park at Water Works Park?
If that box is still unchecked, here’s what to know about parking at Water Works Park in Des Moines, whether you’re pulling up to see the veteran Chicago rock band Friday or seeing a show later this summer.
When country singer Willie Nelson performed at Water Works Park on June 27, fans encountered long waits and congestion while trying the enter the park, according to WHO-13. Two of the gates normally open to traffic remained closed, and concert attendees were "parking incorrectly," the news station reported.
Since that first concert this summer, the park increased the number of staff present to help with parking, the station reported.
Where can I park at Water Works Park?
Where fans will park will depend on the concert, the number of people coming to the show and the conditions of the lawn at the time, said Sam Carrell, Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation executive director. Rather than picking out where to park, attendees should instead enter Water Works Park via three entrances, two of which are off George Flagg Parkway and one off of Fleur Drive. From there, people will be directed where to park. Visitors can find ADA parking near the Des Moines Water Works administration building at 2201 George Flagg Pkwy. This is located on a paved parking lot.
Where can I be dropped off at Water Works Park for events?
People who plan to use ride share services or be dropped off at Water Works Park should head to the Des Moines Water Works administration building.
Where else can I park?
While Water Works Park is only a few minutes from downtown Des Moines via car, parking there would mean a one-plus hour walk to Water Works Park.
Carrell said he observed that some fans parked at Gray’s Lake Park off Fleur Drive, but discouraged that as gates for the parking lot close at 10 p.m.
Event attendees can also make use of Water Works Park’s free bike valet service.
How much does parking cost?
Event parking at Water Works Park costs $10, Carrell said.
Will there be traffic near Water Works Park?
Fleur Drive and George Flagg Parkway will see the most traffic during events at Water Works Park, said Devin Perry, a liaison for the engineering department of Des Moines, in an email to the Des Moines Register.
“As with most locations hosting events in the City of Des Moines, anyone traveling these two corridors should expect delays as people are entering and exiting events and concerts,” Perry said. “Larger events bring larger crowds, which means people should expect more congestion during those times. It is always recommended to factor in additional time when traveling to larger events.”
What are some of the upcoming events at Water Works Park?
July 14: Chicago rock band the Styx with Jet Black Roses
July 16: Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famers Surf Zombies
July 20: Texas country rockers Whiskey Myers with Brent Cobb and Matt Koziol
July 23: Iowa cover band Monkey Monkey Monkey
July 26: Lynyrd Skynyrd and all day-performances for RAGBRAI
July30: Americana roots-rock Ducharme-Jones Band
More: 15 must-see events and concerts in central Iowa to check out this summer
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Where to park at Water Works Park for summer concerts in Des Moines
