Welcome to King Irving Neighborhood!
A Vibrant Community
The King Irving Neighborhood Association, nestled in the heart of Des Moines, is a beacon of unity and strength. Our Mission is to foster a thriving community where every voice is heard and valued. By championing local initiatives and embracing diverse cultural expressions, we aim to inspire collaboration and empower residents in realizing their shared vision for a vibrant neighborhood. Together, we build bridges of hope and create opportunities that nurture growth, safety, and joy for all who call King Irving home.
About Our Neighborhood
Location: Centrally locatd in Des Moines, King Irving offers easy access to parks, schools, and local businesses.
History: Established in the early 1900's our neighborhood is know for its rich history and strong sense of community.
Population: Approximately 2,500 residents, comprising diverse families, young professionals, and retirees.
A Welcoming Community
Less than 2 miles north of downtown Des Moines, King Irving is a close-knit urban neighborhood with historic homes and sidewalk-lined streets. This area is defined by its community spirit. "It's a very welcoming, diverse community," says Joann Muldoon, a 35-year resident and treasurer of the King Irving Neighborhood Association. “There's a good community feeling here."
Building Community, Fostering Connections
At King Irving Neighborhood Association, we're dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our community through engagement and support.
Our initiatives focus on creating safe spaces for dialogue, promoting local events, and supporting community-driven projects that reflect the interests and needs of our residents.
Headed to a Park or the Library
King Irving has several parks and recreational options. Evelyn K. Davis Park, named after the founder of Des Moines' first inner-city daycare center and local advocate for the underprivileged, is a popular community destination. Within its 10-acre green space, the park features a playground, splash pad, basketball courts, baseball field, sand volleyball court and picnic shelters. Edna Griffin Park, named after the civil rights pioneer and human rights activist, offers benches, basketball courts and an accessible playground.
Forest Avenue Library is a very popular community destination, as is the Grubb Community YMCA (soon to be taken over by the city and renamed Reichardt Community Center). which offers fitness classes, swimming lessons, youth sports programs and more.
Near Major Thoroughfares
Broadlawns Medical Center and MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center are both less than 2 miles away. The neighborhood has Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DARTA) bus routes, making public transportation easy for residents. With its proximity to Interstate 235 and other area thoroughfares, like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway and Keosauqua Way, King Irving offers easy access to other parts of the city, including Des Moines International Airport, which is a quick drive 5.5-mile drive on the parkway.
Mix of Early 20th Century Homes
In King Irving, there's a mix of early 20th-century single-family homes, including bungalows and foursquares, as well as new, updated, and fully renovated.
The neighborhood is minutes away from the central business district, Des Moines international Airport, shopping, Interstate 235 and medical facilities.
Located within the boundaries of King Irving are numerous community facilities, including the Forest Avenue Library, the John R. Grubb YMCA, Evelyn Davis Park, King Academy of Math and Science, churches, and other non-profit service providers.
King Irving also has another structure that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Basilica of St. John, which is located on University Avenue between 19th Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway, was opened in 1926, although work began on the building in 1913. The Basilica is noted for its Romanesque architecture and its resemblance to St. Paul’s Basilica in Rome.
