Between sports, programs, and activities, the opportunities at the RecPlex are endless. The spaces typically used for sports double as great areas for a variety of community activities, and the multipurpose rooms and Esports center add even more options. People of all ages are encouraged to get involved and participate in the wide variety of activities we offer. Click on the different facilities to learn more.
Ice Arena Activities
The RecPlex features two ice arenas, the Abel Ice Arena (Rink 1) and the Patty and Jim Cownie Family Ice Arena (Rink 2). There are numerous activities possible at the RecPlex ice arenas, including ice skating, Learn To Skate classes, curling, broomball, and more.
Figure Skating Ice
Figure Skating Freestyle Ice is designed to provide an opportunity for figure skaters to practice their skating individually and to receive private lessons.
Public Skate
Our public skate times allow people of all ages and skills the opportunity to skate for a couple of hours. Birthday party packages or other special events are also offered during public skate times. Skate rental is available during all sessions.
Skating Lessons
The RecPlex Learn To Skate program is designed for skaters of all ages and abilities. We offer classes throughout the year and follow the curriculum set forth by Learn To Skate USA, a division of US Figure Skating and USA Hockey.
Group Skate
Group Skate allows for groups and organizations to rent the full ice sheet for a private or exclusive event. This includes school field trips, corporate events, holiday events, etc.
Stick and Puck Drop-in Hockey
These sessions give hockey players an opportunity to get on the ice and practice individual skills. Space may be limited and full equipment is required.
Broomball
Broomball is an ice-based game similar to ice hockey. It is a team game with two opposing sides of six players. Participants wear special rubber-soled shoes and use broom-like sticks with a triangular head. Broomball at the RecPlex will be offered through leagues and drop-in sessions.
Curling
Curling is a team sport played by two teams of four players on a rectangular sheet of ice. Each team uses a set of eight stones. The RecPlex will partner with the Des Moines Curling Club to offer sessions for all ages. Check back soon for more information on these sessions.
Indoor Turf Activities
The RecPlex’s indoor turf activities are offered inside the Hy-Vee Fieldhouse. The Fieldhouse features more than 70,000 square feet of open space to accommodate a wide variety of indoor activities.
Walking
The RecPlex has plenty of space for groups and individuals to walk during the early morning hours in a safe, climate-controlled environment without the worry of bad weather. Drop-in Walking does take place during our toddler time and both activities utilize the same surface. *Walking may take place on courts for some sessions*
Flag Football
Flag football is a version of American football where the basic rules of the game are similar to the regular game, but instead of tackling players to the ground, the defensive team must remove a flag or flag belt from the ball carrier to end a down. Contact is not permitted and constitutes a penalty for whoever initiates it. Flag Football will be offered through the City of West Des Moines Parks & Recreation Department.
Rugby
Rugby is a team game played with an oval ball that may be kicked, carried, and passed from hand to hand. Points are scored by grounding the ball behind the opponents’ goal line or by kicking it between the two posts and over the crossbar of the opponents’ goal. Rugby events can be scheduled by contacting a RecPlex Team member.
Cheer, Dance & Tumbling
Tumbling is an acrobatic sport and form of gymnastics that requires strength, balance and agility. The soft, synthetic turf and wide-open space in the fieldhouse make it a great location to practice tumbling-related activities. Cheer, dance and tumbling events can be scheduled by contacting a RecPlex Team member.
Toddler Time
Toddler time is an open gym for little ones and parents. We provide an opportunity for children to burn off some energy while parents can get out of the house in a fun, safe environment. Toddler time is geared towards kids 5 years or younger. All children will need to be accompanied and supervised by an adult. The location for Toddler Time may vary between the hardwood courts and indoor turf and is based by availability.
55+ Softball
The slow-pitch softball program is open to persons 55 and older. Come to play a pick up game or to practice your skills. Softball will return for our fall/winter season starting November 2024.
Outdoor Turf Activities
The RecPlex has three full-size outdoor fields, including the Scheels All Sports Field (Field 1), Prairie Meadows Field (Field 2), and TBD (Field 3). The fields are equipped with permanent lighting for night games, on-site restrooms, and access to wireless internet. Our outdoor turf presents an opportunity for any number of fun activities — here are a couple of ideas.
Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate frisbee is a team sport where players try to score points by passing the frisbee to a teammate over the opposing team’s goal line. Contact a RecPlex Team member for rental opportunities.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse is a sport in which two 10-member teams attempt to send a small ball into the other’s netted goal. Each player uses a crosse or stick with a netted pocket at one end for catching, carrying, or throwing the ball. Contact a RecPlex Team member for rental opportunities.
Multipurpose Rooms Activities
The Kum & Go Community Rooms, Multipurpose Room and the Overlook Room are great spaces that can be used for a variety of events and activities including:
- Chess
- Board Games
- Classes
- Programs
- Holiday Parties
- Meetings
- Conventions
- Guest Speakers
- Birthday Parties
Multipurpose Floor Activities
The Hy-Vee Fieldhouse features a multipurpose floor located between the EMC Basketball Court and the turf practice area/batting cages. This space was designed for both youth and adult activities, including the ones outlined below.
Badminton
Badminton is a game played by two players or two pairs of players equipped with light rackets used to volley a shuttlecock over a high net at mid-court. Contact a RecPlex Team member for information on Badminton. Badminton is offered on a rental only basis, contact a member of the RecPlex staff to reserve your time. *Friendly Reminder: Badminton will be played on pickleball courts*
Pickleball
Pickleball is a game resembling tennis in which two or four players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net to score. The RecPlex offers drop-in pickleball times open to players of all ages and skill levels.
Court Activities
There are four basketball/volleyball courts located in the Hy-Vee Fieldhouse, including the three Wells Fargo Courts and the EMC Basketball Court. Along with basketball and volleyball, these courts can be used for adult and youth activities such as dodgeball, floor hockey, or any other indoor gym activity. View the basketball drop-in schedule or contact the RecPlex to reserve court space.
Esports Center Activities
The RecPlex features an Esports Center with 30 state-of-the-art, water-cooled computers, six gaming consoles, and lounge seating, along with LED lighting and a first-class sound system. This space will serve as a hub for the elite gamer, as well as those just learning the sport. The Esports Center can be rented by the hour for groups and organizations or during drop in hours for individual gaming. View the drop-in times for Esports or contact us to reserve time for private play.
Explore Activities at the RecPlex
We invite you to explore ways to use our facility. Come during a scheduled drop-in time on the ice, field or court to see the facility first-hand. You can also rent a space at the RecPlex for private use.
Get in Touch With the RecPlex Team
Have questions about an activity or renting a space?