Park sign at Ray Schleihs Park in Johnston
Fixed locationNeighborhood inclusive playgrounds

Ray Schleihs Park

Johnston, IA

Accessible Johnston park with a newer train-themed playground, interlocking mat surfacing, picnic shelter, and ADA-friendly trail access.
Plan This Visit

Best for

Best for toddlers and younger elementary ages.

Price

Free public park.

Visit style

Neighborhood stop.

Birthday parties

Available

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

Not a giant destination, but a good calmer pick for families who mainly need accessible basics and a manageable neighborhood-scale stop.

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

Best For
  • Short neighborhood outings.
  • Trail-and-play combinations.
  • Families with younger kids who enjoy themed play without needing a huge park.
Less Ideal For
  • Families seeking extensive adaptive equipment variety.
  • Visitors wanting dramatic destination-style play structures.

At a Glance

Venue type

Neighborhood playground

Age groups

ToddlersPreschoolers

Mobility features

Wide pathways

Family amenities

SeatingPavilions or shelters

Safety and comfort

Clear sightlines

Surface type

Mixed surfaces

Shade level

Mixed shade

Accessibility supports

Accessible routesSmooth paths

Park context

Trail accessPicnic area

Operator type

Municipal

Visit options

Free entry

Toddler-friendly

Yes

Plan Your Visit

Facilities
Picnic shelterADA-friendly walking and biking trail
Location ContextLocated between Merle Hay Road and Beaver Drive along the Johnston Interurban Trail.
Visit StyleQuick stop or add-on to a walk or ride.

Pricing Snapshot

SummaryFree public park.

About the Venue

Ray Schleihs Park is a smaller accessible park in Johnston that works well for families wanting an easier, lower-key outing. The city describes the park as accessible and enjoyable for everyone, including those with disabilities, and notes a newer train-themed playground set on interlocking safety mats. The park also connects to the Johnston Interurban Trail and includes an easy-to-reach picnic shelter, making it a practical option for short visits, trail breaks, or simple meetups.

Atlas Perspective

Indoor Play Atlas Notes

Age FitBest for toddlers and younger elementary ages.
Energy LevelLow to medium.
Noise LevelGenerally lower than larger sports-complex parks.
Parent ComfortGood for quick, manageable visits.
Visit StyleNeighborhood stop.

Birthday Party Snapshot

Packages
Private RentalNo
SummaryBetter for casual meetups than formal parties.

Accessibility & Comfort

Considerations
Official page describes the site as accessible, but does not provide the deeper inclusive feature detail available for larger metro parks.
Mobility
ADA-friendly walking and biking trailInterlocking mat surfacing at the playgroundEasy-to-reach picnic shelter
Accessible routesSmooth paths

Gallery

Ray Schleihs Park sign in Johnston
Official city image from the Ray Schleihs Park page.

External Links

Other Nearby Listings

Keep browsing accessible and inclusive playgrounds in Johnston and the wider Des Moines Metro area.

Quick Summary

Best for

Best for toddlers and younger elementary ages.

Price

Free public park.

Visit style

Neighborhood stop.

Birthday parties

Available

Contact Information

Address

5400 NW 55th Avenue

Johnston, IA, 50131

Source & Verification

Last updated

April 11, 2026

Verification summary

Last verified: April 11, 2026

Checked against 1 public source.

Source

Ai Region Research

What Changed

April 11, 2026

Created listing from official City of Johnston park details.

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