International Coastal Cleanup Comes to the Marina
This Saturday, September 19, the Des Moines Marina and Beach will be part of the annual International Coastal Cleanup, bringing volunteers and divers together to help remove debris from our shoreline and the waters below.
As part of the cleanup, the Marina Fishing Pier will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday while divers are working beneath and around the pier. Dive teams are scheduled to enter the water at approximately:
- 8:45 a.m.
- 10:45 a.m.
- 12:45 p.m.
Curious about what’s hiding below the surface? Stop by the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market and see what the divers bring up! It’s always interesting—and sometimes surprising—to see what has found its way into our local waters.
The cleanup begins at 8:00 a.m. and includes both shoreline volunteers and certified divers. Advance registration was required, but registration is now closed.
Learn More About Seattle Dive Tours
Sunday Marina Fuel Dock Notice
On Sunday, September 20, the south side of the Marina Fuel Dock will be reserved for the entire day to accommodate the Chamber’s Argosy cruise.
Thank you to our Marina visitors and anglers for their patience, and especially to all of the volunteers and divers helping keep the Des Moines waterfront clean and beautiful!
New Air Quality Monitoring Site Coming to Des Moines
A new air quality monitoring site is being established in Des Moines to help provide a clearer picture of air quality in our community.
The site will support ongoing measurement of ultrafine particles and other air pollutants, giving researchers and community partners valuable local data to better understand air quality and the potential impacts of nearby transportation sources.
Funding for the project was provided through Washington’s Climate Commitment Act as part of a 33rd Legislative District local community project. The City of Des Moines is pleased to partner in establishing the monitoring site and supporting efforts that provide our community with better information about the air we breathe.
As monitoring gets underway, the data collected will contribute to a better understanding of local conditions and help inform future conversations about air quality in Des Moines.
Find Your Next Activity with Des Moines Parks & Recreation!
Looking for something fun, active or creative? Parks, Recreation & Senior Services has something for just about everyone! From fitness and recreation to arts, enrichment and activities for all ages, there are plenty of ways to get involved, try something new and connect with your community.
Take a look below for a snapshot of what’s available. For complete program details, schedules and registration, visit our online registration site or check out the latest City Currents magazine. New activities and opportunities are added regularly, so be sure to check back!
- Seattle Taekwondo Academy Introductory Classes
- Basket Weaving
- Pickleball Clinics with Pickleball Rick
- Drop In Basketball
- Drop-In RC Plane “Air Time”
- Art Club
- Table Games Drop-In
- Foot Care
- Caregiver & Grief Support Group
- Senior Day Trips
- Senior Out To Lunch Trips
Pack a Little Less Waste This School Year!
Now that students are back in the classroom, Recology has a few simple reminders for making school-day routines a little less wasteful.
Pack lunches with reusable water bottles, containers and utensils instead of single-use items, and label reusable items so they have a better chance of making their way home. When shopping for clothes and school supplies, buy only what’s needed and look for items made with recycled materials or less packaging.
And when it comes to lunch? Pack what your kids are likely to eat — it’s one of the easiest ways to help reduce food waste.
Small changes can add up to a big difference. Here’s to a successful — and less wasteful — school year!
Give Your Carts a Little Space!
A few extra feet can make a big difference on collection day! Recology asks customers to place garbage, recycling and food & yard waste carts at least two feet apart so collection trucks have enough room to safely grab and empty each cart.
Remember to have your carts curbside by 7 a.m. on collection day. Extra garbage bags may be placed next to your garbage cart for an additional fee.
A little space between carts helps make collection day smoother for everyone!
A Bit of History…
Long before Des Moines had a Marina or fishing pier, the shoreline and creeks were an important part of life along this stretch of Puget Sound.
Native peoples, including the Duwamish and Muckleshoot, traveled to the shoreline and streams to gather shellfish and catch spawning salmon. As Des Moines began to develop in the late 1800s, the waterfront remained at the heart of the community. A sawmill operated near the mouth of Des Moines Creek, and before roads connected the area to its neighbors, boats carried people and goods between Des Moines, Seattle, Tacoma and Vashon Island.
Over time, that connection to the water took new forms, including the opening of the Des Moines Marina in 1970 and the public fishing pier that followed.
Today, whether we’re boating, fishing, walking the waterfront or simply enjoying the view, Puget Sound continues to be an important part of what makes Des Moines home.
And perhaps that’s why taking care of our shoreline feels so very Des Moines.
“Hi, Mike,
Drivers just trying to get from point A to point B probably don’t pay attention to our nice streets. But if you’re a walker, you notice the mowing, side-arming, weed-whacking and the fresh white striping on 216th and 220th (my route today). Man, our city looks GOOD! Thanks to you and your whole team for all the thankless jobs they do to make us proud to live here.”
Victoria Andrews
Des Moines Resident
Click Here to Share Your Staff Kudos!
Thank you, as always, to our wonderful and hardworking staff. This Staff Kudos section will serve as a way to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our City of Des Moines employees, volunteers, Councilmembers, and more.
Applying for a job with the City of Des Moines is simple!
- Browse current Job Openings
- Click on a job title to learn more
- Apply!
Job Opportunities
Looking for a fulfilling career with competitive pay and excellent benefits? The City of Des Moines is hiring for several positions, including:
- Police Officer-Hiring Incentives Available!
- Records Specialist – Police Department
- Front Desk Office Attendant I – Extra Hire
- Volunteer Opportunities with Des Moines Community Enrichment Services
Current and Past Issues of the City Manager Report
Missed an issue or want to take another look? You can find this report and all past City Manager Reports anytime on the City’s website—your go-to spot for staying informed.
Be in the know! Sign up today!
Click Here for Past and Current Issues of the City Manager Report
Get The Latest Updates From Mount Rainier Pool Management
Stay up-to-date with pool activities, events and closures!
City Council Meeting Recap
There was no meeting last night. The next meeting will be Thursday, September 24th and here is what’s scheduled to be on the agenda:
- Centennial of the Seashore Club Proclamation
- Update on the Port of Seattle Economic Development Grant
- 2026 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Spending Recommendations
- Marina Tenant Restroom
- Midway Park ORLP Grant Authorization Resolution
- 24th Avenue S Improvements Project – S 223rd Street to S 216th Street – Transportation Improvement Board Grant and Professional Services Consultant Agreement
- Legislative Agenda
- Development Agreement Ordinance – 2nd Reading
- Discussion of MFTE Program
- Discussion on Capital Improvements on 223rd
September 24, 2026 Meeting Information
Click here for a listing of all future Council meeting items
Waterland Yoga
Soundview Park
September 19
Pop Up Karaoke
Activity Center
September 20
Day Trip: Vashon Island: Oscar the Bird King Troll & Exploring Downtown
September 22
City Council Meeting
City Hall
September 24
Dessert Social
Activity Center
September 24
Out to Lunch: Stonehouse Cafe
September 30
Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
City Hall
September 30
City Council Regular Meeting
City Hall
October 1
Day Trip: Maeve Chocolate Factory Tour & Tasting
October 2
Shredding Event
Activity Center
October 6
Planning Commission Meeting
City Hall
October 6
Day Trip: Pierce College Science Dome (Planetarium) & Homestead Restaurant
October 7
Day Trip: Swans Trail Farms Harvest Festival & Cabbage Patch Restaurant – Snohomish
October 9
Halloween Costume Swap
Field House
October 10
Airport Committee Meeting
City Hall
October 12
Out to Lunch: Crab Pot – Bellevue
October 13
Day Trip: Fun at Top Golf – Renton
October 15
Halloween Spooktacular Family Night
Activity Center
October 16
Day Trip: Thrifting Around the South Sound
October 21
Out to Lunch: Waters Table -Renton
October 23
Fall Recycling Collection Event
Marina – South Lot
October 24
Basket Weaving Class
Activity Center
October 24
Day Trip: Snoqualmie Casino
October 27
Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
City Hall
October 28
Day Trip: Thrifted Fashion Runway Show @ Activity Center
October 28
Dessert Social
Activity Center
October 29
City Council Meeting
City Hall
October 29
Karaoke Parties
Activity Center
October 29
Halloween Dessert Social & Bingo Costume Contest with Prizes
Activity Center
October 29
Day Trip: UW Volleyball Game vs. Maryland
November 1
Out to Lunch: TavernHall – Bellevue Square
November 4
City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session – Joint meeting with Planning Commission
City Hall
November 5
Day Trip: Chihuly Garden & Glass – Seattle Center
November 5
Airport Committee Meeting
City Hall
November 9
Out to Lunch: West of Chicago Pizza – West Seattle
November 10
City Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day
November 11
City Council Meeting
City Hall
November 12
Day Trip: Lynnwood Holiday Boutique & Craft Show
November 13
Day Trip: Gilman Village – Issaquah
November 17
Dessert Social
Activity Center
November 19
Out to Lunch: McMenamins Pub at Elks Temple – Tacoma
November 19
Out to Lunch: Loco Chon – Newcastle
November 24
City Offices Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving
November 26 & November 27
Planning Commission Meeting
City Hall
December 1
City Council Committee of the Whole & Study Session
City Hall
December 3
Tree Lighting
Des Moines Marina
December 4
City Council Meeting
City Hall
December 10
Airport Committee Meeting
City Hall
December 14
Argosy Christmas Ships
Des Moines Marina
December 16
City Offices Closed in Observance of Christmas
December 24 & December 25
Noon Year’s Eve Dessert Social & Bingo
Activity Center
December 31
Have An Upcoming Event You Want To Share?
Share Your Events With Us Here!
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
September 19
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
Des Moines Marina
September 19
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
September 19
English Language Learners (ELL) Classes
Des Moines Library
September 19
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 19
Oktobertfest Cruise
Marina
September 20
STEAM Family Story Time
Woodmont Library
September 21
Builder Babies
Woodmont Library
September 22
Des Moines Writing Group
Des Moines Library
September 22
Pokemon Club
Des Moines Library
September 22
Community of Creators
Woodmont Library
September 22
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
Des Moines Library
September 22
Mens Arise
Lighthouse Northwest
September 22
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
September 23
Reading Buddies
Des Moines Library
September 23
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 23
Let’s Glue Crazy! A Kids Craft Night
Woodmont Library
September 23
Veterans Night: The Next Mission Mixer
St. Annes Hospital
September 23
North Hill Game Night
North Hill Community Center
September 24
Family Story Time
Des Moines Library
September 24
Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)
Des Moines Library
September 24
Air Quality Monitoring Site Ribbon Cutting
Steven J Underwood Memorial Park
September 24
After School Hangout
Woodmont Library
September 25
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
September 25
Back-to-School Book Party: The Day the Crayons Quit
Des Moines Library
September 26
English Language Learners (ELL) Classes
Des Moines Library
September 26
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 26
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
September 26
Des Moines Farmer’s Market
Des Moines Marina
September 26
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
September 26
STEAM Family Story Time
Woodmont Library
September 28
Fall Plant Swap
Des Moines Library
September 28
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
Des Moines Library
September 29
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
September 30
The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
September 30
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 2
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 3
Uncle Ernie
Arturos Mexican Restaurant
October 3
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 9
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 10
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
October 10
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 16
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 17
Celebrate Event
Highline College
October 17
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
October 17
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 23
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 24
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
October 24
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
October 30
Trick or Treat Path
Downtown Des Moines
October 30
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
October 31
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
October 31
Bayside Brunch
Anthony’s Home Port
November 1
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
November 6
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
November 7
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
November 7
Veterans Day Event
Steven J Underwood Memorial Park
November 11
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
November 13
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
November 14
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
November 14
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
November 20
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
November 21
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
November 21
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
November 27
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
November 28
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
November 28
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
December 4
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
December 5
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
December 5
Uncle Ernie’s
Arturo’s Mexican Restaurant
December 5
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
December 11
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
December 12
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
December 12
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
December 18
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
December 19
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
December 19
Marina Mamas Walking Group
Des Moines Marina
December 25
Des Moines Creek Park Run
Beach Park
December 26
Coffee and Chess
Second Love Coffee Roasters
December 26
Burning Boat
Des Moines Marina
December 31