About This Playground

🌳 Jester Park Natural Playscape is an innovative nature-based playground in Iowa that encourages children to interact with natural elements. It features areas designed to inspire creative play through logs, boulders, water features, and natural building materials rather than traditional playground equipment.

Visitor Experience: The Jester Park Natural Playscape receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with visitors praising the unique natural play elements, educational opportunities, and the way it encourages imaginative play. Families particularly appreciate how it connects children with nature.>

More about this playground

Playground Type

Park Tourist attraction Point of interest Establishment Wheelchair Accessible Indoor Play Ages 0-12

Address

12000-12592 NW 128th St, Madrid, IA 50156, USA

Phone

(515) 323-5300

+1 515-323-5300

Coordinates

41.7911, -93.79211

Hours of Operation

Open Now
Monday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday Today 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.

Playground Features

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Age Suitability

Suitable for children of all ages, with different areas accommodating various developmental stages. Particularly engaging for children aged 2-12 years.

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Equipment Available

Not traditional equipment but natural play elements including climbing logs, boulders, water features, sand play areas, natural building materials, hollow logs, stepping stones, and natural balance beams.

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Shaded Areas

Numerous shaded areas provided by mature trees throughout the playscape, offering natural respite from the sun.

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Seating For Parents

Multiple benches and seating areas made from natural materials positioned throughout the playscape for parents to supervise children.

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Restroom Availability

Clean restroom facilities available near the playscape area.

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Drinking Fountains

Water fountains available near the restroom facilities, including accessible height options.

Safety Accessibility

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Fencing

The natural playscape uses landscape design rather than formal fencing to define boundaries, with natural berms and vegetation creating gentle borders.

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Surface Material

Primarily natural surfaces including engineered wood fiber mulch, sand, grass, and soil. These materials are regularly maintained for safety.

Ada Accessibility

Portions of the playscape are accessible to visitors with mobility limitations, with accessible pathways connecting main features.

Cleanliness Maintenance

Well-maintained with regular cleaning and upkeep. Natural materials are inspected routinely and replaced as needed to ensure safety.

Additional Amenities

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Nearby Parking

Ample free parking available close to the playscape with designated accessible spaces.

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Pet Policy

Leashed pets allowed in certain areas of the greater park but not directly in the natural playscape area.

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Bike Racks

Bike racks available near the entrance for visitors cycling to the park.

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Nearby Food Options

Picnic areas available nearby. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food as there are limited food vendors within the immediate vicinity.

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Sports Areas

The larger Jester Park complex includes hiking trails and other recreational areas.

Walking / Biking Trails Nearby

Extensive trail system throughout Jester Park, with connections to the playscape area, providing opportunities for hiking and nature exploration.

Community Reviews

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User Submitted Photos

Numerous photos shared on social media and review platforms showcasing children engaged with natural elements and families enjoying the space.

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Recent Reviews

Recent visitors highlight the educational value, unique design, and how the space encourages creative play and nature connection.

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Crowd Levels

Moderately busy on weekends and during summer months; weekday mornings tend to be less crowded.

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Special Events

Regular nature education programs, seasonal celebrations, and ranger-led activities throughout the year.

User Experience

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Entrance Fee

Free admission to the natural playscape and Jester Park.

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Space For Groups

Ample space for family gatherings and small groups with picnic areas nearby that can be reserved for larger gatherings.

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Nature Connection

Outstanding opportunities for nature connection, with the entire playscape designed to immerse children in natural elements and foster appreciation for the environment.

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Noise Level

Generally peaceful with natural sounds predominating; busier during peak times but maintains a calm atmosphere compared to traditional playgrounds.

Aesthetic Design

Thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural environment, using local materials and native plantings to create a seamless connection with the surrounding park.

Safety Regulations

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Security Presence

Park rangers periodically patrol the area, with increased presence during busy periods and special events.

Rules Restrictions

Standard park rules apply: no smoking, adult supervision required for young children, pack-in-pack-out waste policy, and respecting natural features.

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First Aid Availability

Park staff trained in basic first aid; more comprehensive first aid available at the Jester Park main office during operating hours.

Community Interaction

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Community Activities

Regular environmental education programs, nature walks, and seasonal festivals that utilize the natural playscape as a learning environment.

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Social Interaction

Design encourages collaborative play and social interaction between children, with natural features that accommodate multiple users simultaneously.

Sustainability Environment

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Eco Friendly Practices

Built using sustainable practices and local materials, with ongoing commitment to minimal environmental impact through careful maintenance.

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Renewable Energy

Some solar-powered lighting features around the park, though minimal artificial lighting in the playscape itself to preserve natural ambiance.

Walkability Bike Access

Well-connected to local trail systems, with bike racks and pedestrian paths encouraging non-motorized transportation to the playscape.

Reviews

4.8
(277.0)
P

Penny (Hello Kitty)

5 months ago

This place is very nice. We saw lots of hummingbirds around the building due to the lady's feeders. We saw a snake in the water from the bridge. The nature center architecture is Frank Lloyd Wright inspired and does not disappoint. We saw a few bison and elk in a pin. We came specifically for the Archery at the rec building. Awesome!

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B

Barbara Krueger

3 months ago

Wonderful for kids and adults alike! See real life bison and elk herds. Take some trails, learn while playing activities along the way. Or just drive through for the scenery and wildlife!

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M

Maxi Hedlund

6 months ago

Great family-friendly, educational, outdoor activities. Amazing to see the bison and elk moving around in the enclosures.

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A

Ali Kunkle

a year ago

My kids really love being here and out enjoying nature. Extra points when you get an upclose look at the Buffalo and elk. Really beautiful place.

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M

Marty Hogan

4 years ago

Nice little park. Wish the Interpretive Center was open....damn COVID. We enjoyed walking a bit and seeing the buffalo and elk was an added bonus. The Playscape area would be a neat place for kids to interact. There is a little lake further in the park and has some good fishing in the spring. Nice places for picnics and get togethers in the shelters as well.

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