Residents of Union Park neighborhood just, northeast of downtown, enjoy convenient access to major medical facilities, Interstate 235, and the city's bike trails.
The neighborhood consists primarily of single family dwellings and small pockets of commerical development.  More than 2,3000 resdients call the neighborhood home.
Churches contribute to the neighborhoods heritage and pride.  The neighborhood can boast Grand View College, one of two liberal arts colleges located in Des Moines.
Established in the 1890s as one of the city's original parklands, Union Park is one of the most patronized parks in the city.  The park has a long tradition of featuring floral displays and expansive green spaces.  In 1999, the Des moines Heritage Carousel Foundation erected a new carousel in the park that features 30 hand-carved animals and a Stinson band organ.  in 2006, a splash pad was added to the park.
The Union Park Neighborhood Association supports many of the parks activties and last year, in cooperation with Union Park Health Services, hosted Jazz in July for the first time.