Des Moines to introduce park popups

A recreation van is joining Des Moines' parks department fleet.

Why it matters: The new wheels will bring games and activities to neighborhoods that don't have parks.

Catch up fast: DSM's parks systems recently received a score by the Trust for Public Land that is better than more than 80% of the nation's 100 largest cities.

Yes, but: Park equity and access comparing neighborhoods within a 10-minute-walk of parks is a significant part of the score and is an area where DSM could improve.

Driving the news: Friends of Des Moines Parks raised $50,000 to buy the van, which will be regularly stationed within the city's "park deserts" starting in coming weeks, Sarah Lohmeier, the group's director, tells Axios.

• The popup programming will offer free recreational activities like yard games, waterslides, karaoke and musical instruments.

What's next: The van will debut in late July.

• Scheduling through Labor Day will be published on the Friends' social media accounts.