I had not walked around Gray’s Lake since before the 2008 flood. When I got out there I was surprised to see how much work remains to be done in the reconstruction.  Looking across the lake toward the north, there was much bare ground where grass once grew.  There was heavy machinery in several places around the park, including the parking area near the north side on Fleur.  As I walked,I could see where the
equipment had tore up the ground, but there was also fresh greenery popping up.  Returning to downtown Des Moines, I passed the parking area in the back parking lot. All the picnic tables were all lined up, waiting to be replaced. The plantings in that lot were almost bare. The flood waters must have killed most of the plants.  I have enjoyed them for years. I was happy to see most of the park back to normal, and thank everyone who has worked so hard and are still working to get the park back.

Photos and story by: Jo Hill