What is Pete Crivaro Park like?
Set in Des Moines, Pete Crivaro Park has been on the PDGA course list since 2012. Across 2,529 ft the course fits 9 holes at par 27, which works out to around 281 feet per hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
The terrain is wooded/hilly — wooded fairways with real elevation change, which puts the emphasis on shot shaping in three dimensions. Elevation compounds every mistake: an uphill approach plays longer than the sign says, and a downhill tee shot carries much further than expected.
ThrowSpot rates the course forgiving overall, making it a good first course or a relaxed round. Shorter holes and open landing zones mean errant throws are usually recoverable, which is exactly what a newer player needs. Most groups finish in about 45 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Pete Crivaro Park?
For a course like this, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers the majority of shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. It is also worth reading the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Pete Crivaro Park
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Other disc golf courses near Pete Crivaro Park
More disc golf in Des Moines
Des Moines has 6 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Becky Zallek Disc Golf Course | 18 | Beginner | Free |
| Ewing Park | 18 | Advanced | Free |
| Grandview Park | 18 | Intermediate | Free |
| Southwoods Park | 9 | Intermediate | Free |
| Veterans Affairs Park | 9 | Intermediate | $3 |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Pete Crivaro Park?
Pete Crivaro Park has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 2,529 ft, averaging about 281 feet per hole.
Is Pete Crivaro Park free to play?
Yes. Pete Crivaro Park is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Pete Crivaro Park good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with wooded fairways with real elevation change and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play Pete Crivaro Park?
About 45 minutes for a typical group on 9 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Pete Crivaro Park located?
Pete Crivaro Park is in Des Moines, Iowa, at coordinates 41.57863, -93.59855. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Pete Crivaro Park?
For this layout, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers most shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.