Giovannetti Community Shelter

The E.J. Giovannetti Community Shelter is an enclosed event facility at Walker Johnston Park in Urbandale, Iowa, opened in September 2013. The approximately 3,000-square-foot building accommodates up to 180 guests and is available for private rentals including celebrations, gatherings, and community events. The shelter's main event room features a modern interior with warm wood accents, a gas fireplace, and large windows overlooking the park. A 60-by-30-foot covered outdoor patio extends the gathering space beyond the interior. The facility includes a commercial kitchen, full heating and air conditioning, and comes furnished with 16 round tables, 8 rectangular tables, and 180 chairs. Built from precast concrete panels, the shelter also serves as a designated tornado safe room — a distinction that reflects the building's durable construction alongside its function as a community gathering space. Reservations are available up to 365 days in advance through the Urbandale Parks and Recreation online booking system.