How the RecPlex Got Its Start
In 2017, a group of parents and community members came to the City of West Des Moines with a proposal to build a new athletic complex. They were concerned with the critical shortage of space locally for youth athletic teams to practice hockey and other organized sports. After further investigation and analysis, city leaders recognized the great need for a quality athletic facility to increase year-round access for the growing youth sports programs.
To meet this demand, the City of West Des Moines, in cooperation with local leaders and youth sport and activity organizations, launched a public/private project that would come to be known as the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex. After a very successful capital campaign to raise funds in 2018, groundbreaking took place at the site of the new facility in the spring of 2019. The 66-acre, city-owned facility is a youth-focused athletic venue, offering soccer, ice hockey, basketball, and a wide range of other recreational, educational, and adaptive programs.
Our Mission
MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex Mission Statement:
“We aim to provide a high-quality, sustainable regional sports and recreation facility with a focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and a sense of community well-being.”
City of West Des Moines Mission Statement:
“To engage the community, anticipate needs and serve with proactive, effective systems and partnerships.”
How the RecPlex Benefits the Community
The RecPlex increases year-round access to sports programs.
The facility addresses a pressing community and regional need: This first-of-its-kind complex greatly increases year-round access to sports programs for a growing youth community. In addition to youth sports, the complex also offers adult leagues, an Esports center, adaptive recreation, and many other amenities. Multipurpose space can also be used for corporate meetings, smaller conventions, and trade shows.
This facility delivers a major economic benefit to the area.
With its ability to draw hundreds of visitors from across our region, the RecPlex will spur economic benefits to almost every local business category, from overnight accommodations to retail sales and restaurants – all of which are conveniently located just minutes away along Mills Civic Parkway and at the Jordan Creek Town Center. In addition, the many amenities and attractions of the entire Metro area are easily accessible from this location.