Riverview Park Friendss

Homepage History Nostalgia Ride Clips Contact Us

Several people have contributed greatly to the task of bringing the memories of Riverview Amusement Park in Des Moines, Iowa back to life. Thousands of people still alive today have had their fond memories rekindled through the ongoing efforts and accomplishments of these individuals. We here at riverviewparkdsm.com owe them a multitude of thanks and wish to recognize them formally on this page. Unofficialy labeled as the Friends of Riverview Park...they truly are in every sense of the word. .

LEGEND...John Williams
John and Tom Culver of Oak Park Neighborhood did most of the cleanup and unearthing of the nostalgic park’s foundations in the 1980's.
During the time that John was heading up the cleanup and bringing to the attention of the Corp of Engineers that the City of Des Moines was dumping into the lagoon on the industrial side, from fly over for pictures to compare to old shore line; the Corp then gave the City 10 days to come up with a plan to remove what was dumped there and only 30 days to complete or the city would be prosecuted by the Corp… Oh what a victory for the neighborhood and also with the cleanup…
The Highland Park Kiwanis Club, they noted that John and others were bringing bus loads of school kids to the waters edge to study the reclaimed wetlands of the back parking of the Coaster ride by the free picnic shelter… The Kiwanis asked John what they could do to help out… work days continued and then the club took the idea of Kiwanis being a part of this whole park to be able to bring young children to the water’s edge for education.
In 1991, the Kiwanis clubs on the north side of Des Moines joined the Highland Park and Oak Park neighbors in developing a plan to rejuvenate the former amusement park. That plan was now official to continue to clean it up and eventually turn it into a nature preserve. Through the Kiwanis and City’s permission John lived in the house within McHenry Park and was named Director of Development of the Kiwanis Riverview Nature Island. He continued work and more work at all times and hours…
LEGEND...Steve Peglow
Owner of Peglow Art and Design Studios, Steve grew up in the neighborhood and graduated from North High School. He was an early on preservationist of Riverview and helped organize events and personally contributed time and materials to make them special. Steve's efforts have been a very successful factor in highlighting attention to the island and the memories after Riverview was closed. There was a big day at Riverview in the early 90's to kick off the new plans for the island and help raise funds. With live music, boats, food for many happy people to enjoy and get excited about, Steve's work and involvement definitely brought the park back to life that day.

LEGEND...Tom Culver
Tom, another resident of within the area and an officer with the "Parks Area Foundation" associated with Highland Park and Oak Park business' and neighbors, worked with John Williams and contributed many hours and physical labor in keeping Riverview from fading from the publics memory. The efforts put forth to clean up the island that the city had ignored for too long as well as helping to get the island cleaned up after the 1993 floods had submerged all but the trees, were instrumental in keeping the plans alive.
The flood of 93 was something like the 1944 floods yet deeper due to the higher waters… Tom and John canoed within the lagoon as it was flowing in from the industrial site via a breach at the 6th avenue bridge area. Watching and filming the water filling the island and they tied off the two semi trailers they had equipment, peddle boats and canoes in and then tied up a building that was built on the island to the light pole on the island via donation from Iowa Power and Light…

LEGEND..Nancy Suby-Bohn
Another very knowledgeable historian concerning Riverview Park, Nancy graduated ISU in Civil Engineering and Passed her FE (EIT) -- she has been volunteering her time with Habitat, trying to change municipal code adoptions of building codes, to help with Revitalization of our inner city and now the levee/flood/mines. Nancy has researched all land ownership and platting of the island from the late 1800's. She also is instrumental in giving talks and media presentations to groups and organizations concerning Riverview's history and the future of the island today. The new proposed levee going over the island and the flooding patterns of the Des Moines river has received a lot of her focus as has the Army corp of Engineers planning the levee. Thanks Nancy!

LEGEND...Ed Linebach
Ed Linebach (a member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club) is chair of the Kiwanis Riverview Nature Island board. Due to his enthusiasm, the Kiwanis have hosted two KidsFests in July of 2005 and 2006, Easter Egg Hunts, and the Highland Park FallFest (hayrack rides, wiener roasts, etc.) Kiwanis hopes to recreate the island into a destination, but the future will depend on where the new levee is built. Linebach hopes the levee will be built around -- not through -- the island. "If the levee does happen to come down through the center it's (going to) pretty much wipe out half the island where we won't be able to build anything on here," Linebach said.

LEGEND...Bradley Good
Bradley has spent countless hours doing research on the history of Riverview. He has searched all newspapers and publications from the early 1900's up to present day for any information concerning Riverview, ranging from advertising to news articles. Brad has also spent countless hours at the island searching for undiscovered artifacts as well as organizing special events for the general public. His contributions to the web site have been invaluable in documenting dates and events that affected Riverview during its life cycle.
LEGEND..Jim Underwood
Jim Underwood, has been on the Kiwanis Riverview Nature Island Board since its inception. He has spearheaded numerous volunteer activities at the Nature Island, and many times he was seen there mowing lawns and picking up trash. Lois Smith Underwood has served on the Board as well, and handled many of the fundraising and events activities over the years. Jim knows Riverview needs Kiwanis and community support to see that this historical resource, in the heart of the city, is preserved and well used. While it gets some use, e.g., North High science teachers conduct aquatic learning sessions at the lagoon, it must be cared for and updated.

LEGEND..Randy Baker
Randy has spent many physical hours at the island in cleaning up and maintaining the grounds as well as working closely with the Kiwanis acting as the caretaker of the site. He has also acted many times as ambassador and tour guide for anyone visiting the island that wanted to learn more of the way things were.

LEGEND..Christine Kleckner
Christine has spent many countless hours at the island documenting and photographing features and reminents of Riverview. She has been a lifelong dedicated fan of Riverview and continuously spreads the memories of the park. She has also acted many times as ambassador and promoted the park with anyone she could. Her enthusiasm for Riverview Park is unmatched.
Our sincere Thanks to these special people for all they have done in keeping the memories of Riverview Amusement Park alive and burning strong.
Back
Home

© COPYRIGHT 2009 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED CANYON ARMS