Last Summer '23 GMWHOA Concert to Feature Food Drive for Johnston Partnership

At the last summer concert of 2023, Green Meadows West neighborhood homeowner-members are invited to bring shelf-stable goods, personal hygiene items, school supplies, and clothing to donate to other town residents via the Johnston Partnership for a Health Community.

The concert will be held 6:30 to 8 p.m. Fri., Sept. 15, 2023 near the Green Meadows West neighborhood's signature gazebo. 

Solicited items include, but are not limited to:

• Diapers, pull-ups, wipes, feminine hygiene items
• Soaps and shampoos
• Dish soap and laundry detergent
• Socks and underwear

For more donation ideas, visit here at this link.

Established in 2004 by a group of Johnston school nurses, the Johnston Partnership has grown into a 501(c)3 non-profit that supports local food pantry and clothes closet activities, often with the help of local service and other organizations. The organization is currently located in leased office space at 5870 Merle Hay Road, Suite D, near the Johnston post office.

"The Johnston Partnership does great work, finding ways to help students and families in our greater Johnston community weather food scarcity and financial insecurity," says Green Meadows West Homeowners' Association board member Sara Lockner, a member of the organization's Outreach Committee. "As we gather during our remaining concert event this Friday, September 23, we're asking our homeowner-members to help this well-respected non-profit organization collect needed items."

The concert will be held near Dover Park, one of the association's publicly accessible private green spaces, is located at the intersection of Crescent Chase and Wellington Boulevard.

Featured will be musician Andrew Hoyt. Treats will be served by Culver's Confections.

As always, neighbors are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs and beverage coolers. A portable toilet and hand-sanitization station will be located on site during the events.

The concert series helps the Green Meadows West neighborhood celebrate summer, while also calling attention to the association's many amenities, which include natural prairie areas, tree-lined green spaces, and privately managed parks.

To share your ideas about future Green Meadows West Homeowners Association offerings, contact the Outreach committee via Association Manager Ben McMenamin, 515.222.5206; benm AT knappLC DOT com

New Areas, New Season of Neighborhood Nature Walks!

The 2022 summer season brings new opportunities to learn about plants and green spaces in the Green Meadows West neighborhood, with an expanded schedule of informal and educational events hosted by the homeowners' association Prairie Committee.

The Green Meadows West Homeowners' Association boasts more than 17 acres of restored prairie areas, and maintains even more green spaces among houses, boulevards, and other areas.

NEW!!! Forest walk: Meet 8 a.m. Sat. Jun. 11, 2022 at the trail entrance at Foxboro Road and Chatham Circle. "We'll walk our section of the wooded area and try to make it over the bridge into the city's section of the Beaver Creek Recreation area, where many new trees have been along bike trail," says Prairie Committee chairperson Jason Hamata.

NEW!!! 86th Street Landscape Walk: Meet at the neighborhood's parking lot at the intersection of Windsor Parkway and King's Row 7:30 p.m. Wed., Jun. 15, 2022. "We'll talk about the work the city completed in 2021 and what is left to accomplish, as well as the new landscape," Hamata says.

Prairie Walks: Meet on the following Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the neighborhood's parking lot at the intersection of Windsor Parkway and King's Row:

• Jun. 14, 2022
• July 12, 2022
• Aug. 9, 2022
• Sept.6, 2022

Summer Concerts to Feature Live-Music & Sweet Treats!

Photo courtesy of JohnPaul Burtch

The Green Meadows West Homeowners' Association is pleased to announce for 2022 a third annual series of summer concerts at the neighborhood’s Dover Park gazebo. Each event will feature a different musical act, offering a mix of classic rock, pop, country, and other family-friendly songs. Concert times are 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

• Fri., Jun. 10, 2022: Boomerang!
• Fri, Aug. 5, 2022: Mike Aceto!
• Fri., Sept. 9, 2022: JohnPaul Burtch! 

Dover Park, one of the association's publicly accessible private parks, is located at the intersection of Crescent Chase and Wellington Boulevard.

The first event will feature treats provided by association vendor Crumbl Cookies, Ankeny. The second event will feature treats provided by Totally Rolled Ice Cream, West Des Moines. The third event will feature treats provided by Johnston's own Culver's Confections.

Neighbors are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs and beverage coolers. A portable toilet and hand-sanitization station will be located on site during the events.

The concert series helps the Green Meadows West neighborhood celebrate summer, while also calling attention to the association's many amenities, which include natural prairie areas, tree-lined green spaces, and privately managed parks. Based on positive feedback from association members, concerts replaced the neighborhood's long-running annual picnic in 2019.

To share your ideas about future Green Meadows West Homeowners Association offerings, contact the Outreach committee via Association Manager Ben McMenamin at benm AT knappproperties DOT com

NEW JULY DATES! Join Your Neighbors for Yoga in Dover Park!

UPDATE: New July 2022 yoga dates added!!!

Join your Green Meadows West neighbors in FREE community-building and wellness exercise at two forthcoming events provided by Johnston-based Power Life Yoga Studio, and underwritten by the Green Meadows West Homeowners' Association.

The first 2022 outdoor yoga events took place in June. NEW DATES HAVE BEEN ADDED! Meet us at 9 a.m. on Sat, July 9 and July 23, 2022 in Dover Park, the association's publicly accessible private park, which is located at the intersection of Crescent Chase and Wellington Boulevard.

"We've seen successful outdoor yoga programs in Gray's Lake, Terra Park, and in other Des Moines-metro suburbs, and we're excited to experiment with similar programming [...] against the backdrop of our neighborhood's signature gazebo," says Outreach Committee member Sara Lockner. 

No previous yoga experience is required, Lockner says. Participants should bring their own mats or beach towels, and can choose to use either grass or paved surface. Instructors will likely use the gazebo's elevated floor as a stage, and will use a small public address loudspeaker for amplification.

Potential benefits of yoga can include stress reduction, increased blood circulation, detoxification, and improved sleep, according to Power Life materials.

"Power Life is about making your healthy lifestyle what you want it to be. We are a place to meet friends, a place to meet goals and a place to meet yourself. Power Life is a community of individuals, where there is a spot for everyone and style of exercise that challenges everybody."

For more information on Green Meadows West Homeowners' Association offerings this summer, check out our events page here this link.

To share your ideas about future Green Meadows West Homeowners Association offerings, contact the Outreach committee via Association Manager Ben McMenamin at benm AT knappproperties DOT com

Or like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreenMeadowsWest/

Neighborhood Hosts First-Ever ‘Green Days’ Garden Tour

As part of Johnston Green Days Jun. 17-21, 2021, an annual community festival sponsored by the Johnston Chamber of Commerce, a first-ever "Garden Walk" will showcase the prairie centerpiece of the Green Meadows West neighborhood. 

The Garden Walk event starts at 8 a.m. Sat., Jun. 19, 2021. 

The Green Meadows West Homeowners' Association maintains and manages more than 17-acres of restored prairie and savanna, as well the publicly accessible Dover Park and Windsor Park. The neighborhood's signature gazebo is located at Dover Park, adjacent to the Foxboro Square business center.

Vehicle parking is available at First Baptist Church, 8250 N.W. Ave. and at the neighborhood's publicly accessible private park at the intersection of King's Row and Windsor Parkway. Please note that parking space at the Windsor Park location is limited.

A City of Johnston-maintained walking and biking trail runs through much of Green Meadows West, and interconnects to businesses, schools, other neighborhoods, and even other suburbs.

Participants will discover brochures at four stations along the way, describing plant and animal life supported by each eco-system. A children's activity will be available at the final stop.

Other Green Days events this year include a parade, 5k walk/run, carnival, and business expo. This year's theme is "Better Together."

In future years, organizers envision the event will travel to feature other "green" locations, potentially including private gardens and corporate campuses.

A Facebook event for the Garden Walk is here.

The Green Meadows West Homeowners' Association Facebook page is here.

Monthly Summer Concert Series Returns to Dover Park!

The annual Green Meadows West “Picnic in the Park” usually conducted in September has again been replaced with a monthly series of three at the neighborhood’s Dover Park gazebo, June through September. Concert times are 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

The park is located just south of Foxboro Square, in the vicinity of Regus Offices, 6165 Northwest 86th Street.

• Jun. 4: Zachary Freedom
• Jul. 9: Gladys Light
• Aug. 6: Boomerang

Neighbors are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs and beverage coolers, and to observe social distancing and masking as able. A portable toilet and hand-sanitization station will be located on site during the events.

The concert series was borne out of necessity in 2020, when, given concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the board sought to rethink the ways people come together to celebrate our neighborhood. The events revisit previous Green Meadows West traditions, such as ice cream socials and other family-friendly events.

Each concert will feature a different musical act. A food truck from The Outside Scoop, Indianola, will offer complimentary ice cream cones to Green Meadows West residents.

Started in 2005, the annual picnic has been a way to bring neighbors together to celebrate the end of summer, and to call attention to Green Meadows West’s many amenities, which include natural prairie areas, tree-lined green spaces, and privately managed parks.

If you have suggestions or questions regarding the event, please contact the board via Association Manager Randi Johnson at: randi DOT johnson AT knappproperties DOT com

Summer Concert Series to Replace 2020 Annual Picnic!

The annual Green Meadows West “Picnic in the Park” usually conducted in September has been temporarily replaced with a monthly series of three “socially distanced concerts” at the neighborhood’s Dover Park gazebo, July through September. Concert times are 6:30 to 8 p.m.:

• Fri., July 10: Jay Casmirri
• Fri., Aug. 14: Zachary Freedom
• Fri., Sept. 11: Jay Casmirri

Citing recommended best-practices and precautions regarding the transmission of COVID-19, “the board thought it best to rethink the ways we come together and celebrate our neighborhood,” says DeAnn Lee, chairperson for the Communications & Outreach committee. “So, while we’re not going to be able to offer favorites such as face-painting, a buffet-style barbecue, and inflatable bounce houses this year, we can revisit other Green Meadows West traditions—concerts and ice cream socials!”

Each concert will feature a different musical act. On the first scheduled date, a food truck from The Outside Scoop, Indianola, will offer complimentary ice cream cones to Green Meadows West residents. Food offerings for other concert dates are pending, and will be based on attendance. funding, and feedback.

Neighbors are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs and beverage coolers, and to observe 6-foot social distancing and masking as able. A portable toilet and hand-sanitization station will be located on site, during the events.

Started in 2005, the annual picnic has been a way to bring neighbors together to celebrate the end of summer, and to call attention to Green Meadows West’s many amenities, which include natural prairie areas, tree-lined green spaces, and privately managed parks.

If you have suggestions or questions regarding the event, please contact the board via Association Manager Randi Johnson at: randi DOT johnson AT knappproperties DOT com

The Sun Breaks Through for Our 13th Annual Picnic!

More than 200 Green Meadows West homeowner-members braved cloudy weather and an occasional raindrop at the neighborhood's 13th Annual Picnic in the Park Sun., Sept. 9.

While adults relaxed and listened to live music by Zachary Freedom, kids ran and played on inflatable play equipment—a bounce house shaped like a big barn, and a super giant slide!

There were also colorful face-painting and glittery fake tattoos by the artists at Princesses and Pirates Face Painting!

The Johnston Police Department gave tours of its patrol vehicles, and presented young people with shiny badge stickers! Jedi Master Yoda was on ride-along!

Catering was by Glenda Reiling & Friends, professional rent-a-chef services!

For more photos, visit the Green Meadows West Facebook page here!

Thanks for helping make the Green Meadows West neighborhood a fun and friendly place to live!

Save the date! 2015 'Picnic in the Park' is Sept. 13!

The 9th Annual Green Meadows West “Picnic in the Park” event will be held Sun., Sept. 13, from 4 to 7 p.m., near the neighborhood’s signature gazebo located on the association’s privately maintained “Dover Park.” Other days, the park is available for rental through the association manager.

A free catered barbecue pork or chicken dinner by Hy-Vee will be served to association members and families.

Live music will be provided The Black Bird Circus, a pick-up combo featuring local folk, rock, and other artists, headed up by musician Steve Kowbel.

Inflatable play equipment for younger children will include a bounce house, obstacle course, and giant slide.

Our growing list of sponsors includes: Charter Bank, Flooring America, Jimmy Johns, and Veridian Credit Union.

City leaders and staff–including fire, police, and other personnel–will also be available to meet with Green Meadows West neighbors during the event. Library staff will conduct an interactive story time for younger kids.

See you there!

Save the Date: Sept. 14 Will Be Our Annual 'Picnic in the Park'!

The 8th Annual Green Meadows West “Picnic in the Park” event will be held Sun., Sept. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m., near the neighborhood’s signature gazebo located on the association’s privately maintained “Dover Park.” Other days, the park is available for rental through the association manager.

There will be live music, and the event will again feature inflatable play equipment for younger children, including a bounce house, obstacle course, and giant slide. A free catered barbecue dinner will be served to association members and families.

City leaders and staff–including fire, police, library, and public works personnel–will also be invited to meet with Green Meadows West neighbors during the event.

2014 Educational Prairie Tour Schedule Starts This Thursday, June 5

The Green Meadows West Homeowners Association has announced a third series of educational walking tours for the 2014 summer season. Led by expert Inger Lamb of Prairie Landscapes of Iowa LLC, neighbors of all ages are invited to learn about the plants of the neighborhood's more than 12 acres of prairie.

The 2014 dates are:

• Thurs., June 5
• Wed., June 18
• Tues., July 8
• Tues., July 29
• Wed., Aug. 20
• Wed., Sept. 10

Walks begin at 7 p.m. at the Windsor Park trailhead, located near the intersection of Windsor Parkway and King's Row. The path through the neighborhood's central prairie is paved.

While the tours usually last about an hour, participants are welcome to come and go as their schedules require. Children are welcome, too. The beginning of the summer season is an ideal time to observe progress on association efforts to maintain and improve storm water drainage through the prairie, as well as to hear about efforts to develop a new prairie area adjacent to a new bike trail connection to N.W. 62nd Avenue.

Prairie events are part of a comprehensive prairie restoration program administered by the association's board of directors. Attendees will learn to identify various types of native and non-native plants, and discussions will often focus on how neighbors can help maintain and improve the quality of the area's showcase landscape.

The prairie area is a unique feature of the Green Meadows West neighborhood, which was originally designed and developed by a subsidiary of the Pioneer Hy-Bred company, now known as DuPont Pioneer.

In addition to running a native landscape restoration and maintenance business, Lamb is a past contributor to publications such as Woodlands & Prairies magazine.

A list of articles of potential interest to prairie enthusiasts is available at her business website here. Resource lists, including planting recommendations for rain garden and native landscapes, are available here.

Dates Posted for 2014 Cleanup Days, Shredding, and Garage Sales

Ready to jump into some spring cleaning? The Green Meadows West Homeowners Association will conduct its annual "neighborhood garage sale" Fri., May 2 and Sat. May 3, 2014.

On and around these dates, neighbors are encouraged to conduct and advertise their individual sales. The association will advertise the neighborhood-wide event via online classifieds, social media, and yard signs posted at entrances.

Starting Mon., April 28, individual signage in association common areas will be allowed temporarily, including at neighborhood entrances. Subject to city enforcement, neighbors are reminded to place signs approximately 18 feet away from the curb on the following streets:

• N.W. 86th Street

• N.W. 54th Avenue

• N.W. 62nd Avenue

Signs should be removed by those who placed the signs not later than Mon., May 5.

This is the first year that the neighborhood garage sale will not be conducted immediately prior to the City of Johnston's annual "Cleanup Days" event. At this year's annual meeting, members asked that the neighborhood garage sale be moved to a potentially warmer month. On Mon., April 14 and Tues., April 15 Johnston residents can place additional trash and bulky waste items for collection during normal trash collection.

Tires and tree branches may also be disposed of through the city's department of public works, 6400 N.W. Beaver Drive, on April 10, 11, and 12. Branches cannot be larger than 18 inches in diameter. Drop-off hours are from 7:30 am until 3:30 p.m. on Thurs., April 10 and Fri., April 11;, 8:00 a.m until 12 noon on Sat., April 12. Click here for details.

Getting rid of out-dated tax records or other personal, private information? A FREE on-site paper-shredding service will be located at the Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Road, on Sat., April 19, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Association Conducts Annual Meeting, Officers Elected

The general membership of the Green Meadows West Homeowners Association braved polar blasts to conduct its annual meeting, Mon., Jan. 27, 2014, at the Crown Point Community Center, Johnston.

Achieving a quorum of 10 percent of its membership was somewhat problematic, given the sub-zero temperatures, but proxies and late arrivals eventually crossed the required threshold. Special thanks to former association president Steve Halterman for helping "get out the vote."

The minutes of annual meetings are typically published and approved at the subsequent year's meeting. In an effort to communicate annual meeting actions in a more timely manner, however, draft minutes are available to members upon request to the association manager.

Highlights of the 2014 meeting included the election of new directors to the board of directors, presentation of the new year's budget, and discussions of neighbors' concerns regarding light infiltration from newly developed businesses along N.W. 86th Street. Regarding the latter topic, follow-up meetings with the association's Grounds and Property committee are planned for later this spring.

With the election of officers at its regularly scheduled February meeting, the 2014-2015 Board of Directors is now:

• David Erbes - President
• Jack Sullivan - Vice President
• Gary Vaden - Treasurer
• Randy Brown - Secretary
• Mark Hilliard
• Greg Knoploh
• DeAnn Lee
• Ron Lower
• Jon Vasey

Annual Meeting to Be Held Jan. 27, 2014 at Crown Point Center

The annual meeting of Green Meadows West Homeowners Association members is scheduled for 7 p.m., Mon., Jan. 27, 2014, at the Crown Point Community Center, 6300 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston.

The association's officers and board of directors will present reports regarding 2013 activities, a 2014 budget, and other topics.

Members must be in good standing, with all fees paid, in order to vote. Meeting materials will be mailed to homeowners prior to the annual meeting. Proxies may be assigned to the board for purposes of achieving quorum, or may be assigned to a neighbor who plans to attend.

Those who attend or who return proxies, either by mail or hand-delivery, will be eligible for door prizes.

For more information, contact Association Manager Cyndy Rath at: 515.222.5206, or e-mail: cyndyrath@knappproperties.com

Storms Unlikely to Scare Off Tonight's Trick-or-Treaters

Anticipated thundershowers may scare off some trick-or-treaters at this evening's Beggars' Night in Johnston, Iowa, but Green Meadow West drivers should remain vigilant for any ghouls and goblins who take a "never say die" attitude toward the annual collection of candies.

Children participating in Beggars' Night can also use flashlights, chemical lights, or reflective clothing to increase visibility in the less-than-ideal weather and light conditions.

In Johnston—as well as nearby Ankeny, Clive, Des Moines, Urbandale and West Des Moines—Beggars' Night is 6 to 8 p.m., Wed., Oct. 31.

In Adel, Grimes, and Waukee, the event is 6 to 8 p.m., Thurs., Oct. 31—the traditional date of Halloween. Waukee had originally scheduled its 2013 Beggars' Night for Oct. 30, but moved the event due to a conflict with a high-school football playoff game.

In Dallas Center, Beggars' Night is 4:30 to 6 p.m., Oct. 31.

The Des Moines Register has posted a list of all metro area Beggars' Night dates and times here.

Thanks for Attending Our Annual Picnic!

A few hundred Green Meadows West neighbors braved somewhat blustery weather conditions Sunday afternoon, making the annual "Picnic in the Park" its usual success. The event took place near the gazebo located on the association's "Dover Park."

A free catered barbecue dinner by Texas Roadhouse, Johnson, was served to homeowners' association members and families.

Adults listened to the alternative-country-rock sounds of Polk City band Patterson 216, while kids played on a giant inflatable slide, bounce house, and obstacle course. Staff from Johnston Public Library read stories to the children, while Johnston fire and police personnel visited with kids.

Photographs of the event are posted at the neighborhood's Facebook page here and here. There is also a 30-second panoramic video of the event below. A higher-resolution version is also on Facebook here.

Expert Helps Neighbors Survey the Green Meadows West Prairie

Inger Lamb, owner of Prairie Landscapes of Iowa LLC, conducts her final informational "Green Meadows West Prairie Walk" of the 2013 summer season Thurs., Aug. 15.

Green Meadows West neighbors of all ages are invited to meet 7 p.m. at the parking lot at Windsor Park, near the intersection of Windsor Parkway and King's Row.

Following the July prairie walk, Lamb wrote the following note to association members:

Like cats and dogs, plants have families analogous to animal groups. or dogs. In most prairies, plant families include grasses, daisies or sunflowers, and legumes.

On our walks we often see legumes (Fabaceae family), which are well represented elsewhere by soybean and peas. These are important because they have a very special ability to remove nitrogen from the air, and to convert it from an unusable inert form into biologically active forms. Representative plants in the Green Meadows West prairie include both white and purple prairie clover, leadplant, both cream and white wild indigo, showy ticktrefoil (the source of “sticktights” on your socks), roundheaded bush clover, Illinois bundleflower and partridge pea. Unfortunately, this group also includes the non-native invasive crown vetch, but we’re working to eradicate that one!

Members of the sunflower/daisy or aster family (Asteraceae) we find at Green Meadows West include pale purple coneflower, daisy fleabane, smooth ox-eye, yellow/gray-headed coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, the Silphiums (rosin weed, cupplant and compass plant); and, of course, all the asters (Northeast aster, frost aster, sky blue aster, etc.). Species that, at first glance, might not seem likely members of this family are Liatris (gayfeather or prairie blazing star), prairie sage, ironweed and the goldenrods. The ragweeds (common and giant) are native-but-less-appreciated weedy members of this group, and occur naturally in the Green Meadows West prairie.

Thistles are also included in the Asteraceae; some are native and some, like the noxious weed Canada thistle, are not. You’d think with a name like Canada thistle it would at least be from North America, but it’s actually Mediterranean in origin!

On our July prairie walk, the Culver’s root was blooming profusely and attracted some attention. Its “whorled” leaves—4 or 5 coming from the same spot on the stem, radiating out in a circle—is fairly novel in the world of plant leaf arrangements. The flowers are also attractive, many tiny white flowers forming a cluster of spikes at the top of the plant.

Someone asked me what family this plant belonged to and I was not sure, but looked it up when I got home. They are in the snapdragon or figwort family, the wonderfully named Scrophulariaceae. This group is not as widely represented as the others mentioned above, but does also include the Penstemons (foxglove & large-flowered beardtongues), which we appreciate in the early spring. 

Save the Date! Annual Picnic is Sept. 15!

Save the date! The 7th Annual Green Meadows West “Picnic in the Park” event will be held Sun., Sept. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m., near the neighborhood’s signature gazebo located on the association’s privately maintained “Dover Park.” The park is available for rental through the association manager.

The event will again feature inflatable play equipment for younger children, including a bounce house, obstacle course, and giant slide. A free catered barbecue dinner will be served to association members and families.

New this year will be performances by Patterson 216, a Polk City-based four-piece band offering “alternative and indie influences that morph into an Alt County sound with an unmistakable groove.” The group promises to play plenty of covers and “keep it pretty chill.”

Dates have not yet been announced for the City of Johnston’s 2013 “Night with the Neighbors” outreach program, which includes traveling displays of fire, rescue, construction, and law-enforcement equipment, as well as reading activities led by favorite book characters. This event usually coincides with the neighborhood’s picnic event.

All-ages Educational 'Prairie Walks' Announced for Summer 2013

The Green Meadows West Homeowners Association has announced a series of educational walking tours for the 2013 summer season. Led by expert Inger Lamb of Prairie Landscapes of Iowa LLC, neighbors of all ages are invited to learn about the plants of the neighborhood's more than 12 acres of prairie.

The dates are:

• June 10
• July 2
• July 24
• August 15
• September 5

Walks begin at 7 p.m. at the Windsor Park trailhead, located near the intersection of Windsor Parkway and King's Row. The path through the neighborhood's central prairie is paved.

This is the second year the walks will be conducted. The events are part of a comprehensive prairie restoration program administered by the association's board of directors. Attendees will learn to identify various types of native and non-native plants, and discussions will often focus on how neighbors can help maintain and improve the quality of the area's showcase landscape.

The prairie area is a unique feature of the Green Meadows West neighborhood, which was originally designed and developed by a subsidiary of the Pioneer Hi-Bred company, now known as DuPont Pioneer.

In addition to running a native landscape restoration and maintenance business, Lamb is a past contributor to publications such as Woodlands & Prairies magazine. A list of Lamb's articles of potential interest to prairie enthusiasts is available at her business website here. Resource lists, including planting recommendations for rain garden and native landscapes, are available here.

More than 300 Attend Annual Neighborhood Picnic

More than 300 Green Meadows West neighbors participated in the 6th Annual Picnic-in-the-Park Sun., Sept. 9, 2012. Children enjoyed inflatable play equipment, including a bounce house, obstacle course, and giant slide.

 "We started the Picnic-in-the-Park as an annual thank-you to our homeowner-members, and as a showcase of one of the amenities that makes our neighborhood unique in the Greater Des Moines area," says Randy Brown, current president of the homeowners association board. "As a private park that accessible to the public, the gazebo and Dover Park are sort of a 'welcome mat' for our neighborhood. It's used for everything from weddings to soccer practices."

The event coincided with the City of Johnston's 2nd Annual "Night with the Neighbors" program, in which city officials and staff meet with Johnston residents. In addition to Johnston Mayor Paula Dierenfeld, herself a Green Meadows West neighbor, representatives of the fire, police, and public works departments made themselves available for questions and comments.

Each department also brought along equipment for neighborhood children to see up close.

Sponsored by the Johnston Library, the children's storybook character Silly Sally read to children under some of the Dover Park trees.

An album of event photos is available on the Green Meadows West Homeowners Association Facebook page.

Thanks to the Texas Roadhouse (Urbandale-Johnston) for providing the menu of pulled-pork or chicken-breast sandwiches, and chips. The Johnston Hy-Vee provided cookies and bottled water. The Johnston Station Jazz Band provided music.