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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - November 20, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames Parks and Recreation CommissionCITY OF AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE November 20, 2025 COMMISSION PRESENT Jeff Iles, Janet Rathe, Nathan Shimanek, Debra Tapp, Jeff White ABSENT Duane Reeves, Hannah Sappenfield STAFF Keith Abraham, Ami Brekke, Devin Hatch, LeAnn Hawk, Courtney Kort, Nate Pietz, Joshua Thompson 1. CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: (Iles/White) to approve the September 18, 2025, meeting minutes. MOTION PASSED: (5-0) 3. PUBLIC FORUM None 4. INTRODUCTION OF AMI BREKKE, PRINCIPAL CLERK & DEVIN HATCH, RECREATION MANAGER Hatch moved to Ames from Willmar, Minnesota, where he worked as a Recreation Coordinator. On October 27, Hatch joined staff as Recreation Manager-Youth and Adult Activities. Brekke worked as a Utility Customer Services Clerk in the City’s Finance Department before joining staff as Principal Clerk on November 17. Brekke will work at Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center. 5. ISU CLASS PRESENTATION Mayor Haila provided an overview of Iowa State University’s second annual Healthapalooza, a week-long competition focused on community fitness including ten teams from ISU colleges. Haila participated in a panel discussion and served as a judge. He shared with participants a need for a solution that gets people out and is easy to implement, low cost, and sustainable. A creative, innovative solution would be recognized with a Mayor’s Commendation. The top two groups were invited to give the Commission five-minute presentations followed by five minutes of Q&A. If the Commission found value in looking into the presented concepts, Haila asked staff to meet with the teams with a goal of implementing something by April 2026. Team Passport members Emma Rios and Katherine Watkins [Zuzanna Ratajczak was absent] spoke about their project to create a passport and map of Ames parks and trails to promote awareness, engagement, physical activity, accessibility, education, and connections to the outdoors and community. They addressed commissioner questions regarding use of their tools by people with disabilities, where passport and map information may be found, and how they may partner with organizations such as the Ames Public Library and Parks and Recreation. Team Active Ames members Leah Ylonen and Injir Batmunkh presented survey results showing people wish to be active but have difficulty knowing how. They developed the Active Ames app and the Active Ames calendar to help solve this problem by enabling activity planning and 2 scheduling. If users prefer, they may receive in the mail a printed personalized calendar instead of using the app. Challenges such as low technology adoption among seniors, maintaining data, and privacy were noted along with proposed solutions. The intended benefits of the app and calendar are tied to broader goals of promoting healthy lifestyles and stronger community ties. An implementation plan includes prototype development, local partnering, pilot program, and full launch by Spring 2026. The team addressed questions regarding measuring success, overlap with existing Parks and Recreation information resources, and how the app and calendar would be supported if current team members were no longer involved. Haila complimented participants’ work and spoke about a commitment to continue building the relationship between ISU and the City of Ames with a focus on community and accessibility. Shimanek reviewed options for Commission action on this item. MOTION: (Rathe/Iles) to table the item to allow for more research and future exploration. MOTION PASSED: (5-0) Abraham asked if any additional information is needed to have meaningful conversation at the next Regular Meeting on December 18. Shimanek requested both groups provide realistic staff time analysis, both for start-up and ongoing support. Rathe suggested coordinating a visit with Library staff and to explore how to incorporate existing Parks and Recreation information resources with the student projects. Abraham offered to serve as liaison. 6. 60 FORWARD YEAR END REVIEW Deb Schildroth, Heartland of Story County Executive Director, provided an overview of the Sixty Forward facility and its purpose. Sixty Forward is a partnership between City of Ames Parks and Recreation, Heartland of Story County, and Mary Greeley Medical Center. Its mission is to connect people 60+ to activities, social networking, and health and nutrition. Information about facility operations and services provided from October 1, 2024 through August 2025 was presented at a stakeholders meeting held on September 11, 2025. Schildroth highlighted the following:  Strength and Cardio Room on-boarded 500 users from 10 of 15 Story County communities.  Wellness Room offered 15 weekly fitness classes, with 360 participants representing 8 of 15 Story County communities.  Duckpin Bowling League with 8 participants.  Twenty-one (21) Prime Time Alive educational programs exploring diverse topics.  Story County Public Health classes, e.g., brain fitness, footcare, Bingosize.  Adult Day Center participation increased 25 percent to 45 participants.  Ames High School tech support partnership sessions connected with 60 participants.  Promotional efforts, e.g., website, social media, monthly e-newsletter.  Between October and August, Sixty Forward welcomed a total of 27,040 visitors.  The Bistro serves an average of over 1,225 customer tickets monthly. Rathe asked for comment on the facility’s north entrance. Schildroth said the north vestibule addition was completed in mid-October and is now in use. This addition allows for convenient entrance for Sixty Forward visitors who park in the lot to the north, which is leased from the 3 adjacent business group. The north vestibule was not part of the original building plan because access to the north lot was not made available until only months before Sixty Forward opened. Iles asked about Sixty Forward funding and whether the facility is solvent and secure. Schildroth replied that Sixty Forward is sustainable and in a good financial position. As a non-profit, she noted, the organization always looks at fundraising and ongoing and long-term funding avenues. Shimanek asked if the visitor numbers were expected and sustainable. Schildroth indicated the visitor numbers are sustainable. Sixty Forward hopes to see more visitors as awareness of the facility continues to expand. Service offerings will grow based on feedback about expectations and desired programming. It is hoped that The Bistro will become a revenue source for the rest of the building and its programs and services. Shimanek also commented positively on the tech support program, calling it a neat inter-generational partnership. Abraham stated the partnership between Heartland of Story County, Mary Greeley Medical Center, and Parks and Recreation is going very well. He observed that many people suggest a wide variety of ideas, and Sixty Forward leadership has already discussed the importance of staying true to the vision of Sixty Forward. Abraham also noted Sixty Forward goes beyond the walls of the facility, with programming at Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse, aquatics, pickleball, and more. He spoke about contributions from several Parks and Recreation staff members, notably Wellness Supervisor Nancy Shaw. Schildroth agreed and spoke about growing community awareness and understanding of the Sixty Forward partnership. She agreed with Abraham’s observations about being conscious of mission drift. Sixty Forward leadership intends to be accountable, yet flexible, while staying true to what people expect. 7. FURMAN AQUATIC CENTER 2025 SEASON REVIEW Hawk reported the Furman Aquatic Center (FAC) season spanned 101 days, with 20 partial day closures, mainly due to inclement weather. Increased staff and allowing staff to select shifts have been positive. Pietz noted having more staff and a greater willingness to work meant more amenities could be open. Hawk noted amenities were closed due to staff shortages only twice. Recruitment for 2026 for FAC and Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center (FFIAC) is underway. Total attendance of 86,900 was an increase from 2024, Pietz reported, and above the five-year average figure. Daily Admission payments increased 8 percent over 2024, Season Pass admissions declined 7 percent, and Punch Card sales were stable. End of Season Pass sales declined from 2024, but the promotion continued to be well-received. Pietz reported above average daily concession sales totaling $90,398 for the 2025 season. Facility rental hours totaled 29 hours, an increase from 2024 but below the five-year average. Swimming lessons spanned June 10 to August 4, with 956 registered participants. Hawk stated moving swimming lessons indoors to FFIAC will likely improve participation. Special events were varied and successful, Hawk noted. Pietz said 444 ducks were sold for the 3rd Annual Scholarship Duck Derby, with $3,520 contributed to the scholarship fund. Hawk reviewed FAC safety data, including rescues and medical emergencies. End-of-season survey data show notable positive responses about quality and performance improvements in every category in 2025, Hawk reported. 4 Rathe spoke about the popularity of water walking at FAC. Hawk noted water walking will be possible year-round once FFIAC opens. Iles noted flat concessions revenues and suspected expenses have increased. Pietz agreed and spoke about researching other offerings and diversifying items available for purchase. 8. HOMEWOOD 2025 SEASON REVIEW Abraham noted a great year and many positive comments about Homewood Golf Course and staff, highlighting contributions from Recreation Manager Pietz, who oversees the clubhouse, and Turf Maintenance Supervisor Wynja, who is responsible for course maintenance. Pietz presented a recap of the Homewood Golf Course and Clubhouse season, which spanned 225 days from March 28 to November 7. Only two full days and nine partial days were affected by inclement weather. Rounds played in 2025 totaled 25,881, well above the five-year average and nearly as many as 2024 despite being open 18 fewer days. Season pass sales increased to 212. Fourteen staff members worked at the Clubhouse, most returning from previous year(s). Golf specials (Discount Days, Free Days, Youth Rate) were successful. Golf Leagues (Men’s, Couples, City, ISU Ladies, Homewood Ladies, Youth) expanded in 2025 with the addition of the Sixty Forward Golf League. Golf instructor Nichole Hollinger hosted 31 youth lesson participants at Veenker Driving Range--lessons will move to Homewood in 2026. Clubhouse rentals are doing well and include a wide variety of events. Winter programs include card games, painting classes, and Homewood for the Holidays. Course maintenance was challenging in 2025 due to high rainfall totals and the amount of play on the course. Turf maintenance work was performed by Wynja and three seasonal staff, with additional contributions from full-time maintenance staff. Established maintenance practices, including annual root aerification, leave the course in good condition going into winter. The irrigation system delivered 2.5 million gallons of water, well below the annual average and one million gallons less than 2024. Following installation of trail cameras in 2025 (including notice of cameras on the course posted inside the clubhouse), incidents of theft and vandalism declined. Thompson added City Council recently awarded a contract to Con-Struct, Inc. to remove the walking bridge across the ravine that connects the ninth hole tee to the green and replace it with a land bridge. The project will occur over the winter. 9. DEER HUNTING UPDATE Abraham gave an update on City Council discussion and action on October 14 to approve deer hunting only in the recommended 5-acre area in Munn Woods, and its referral to convene the Special Urban Deer Task Force to provide recommendations. Abraham noted the Commission recommended against allowing hunting. He encouraged commissioners to do what they believe is right and to avoid making decisions based on anticipated Council action. Thompson summarized staff activities following the City Council approval, including: (1) work with Public Works GIS staff to develop a map for hunters, (2) signs posted at all entrances to Emma McCarthy Lee Park and Munn Woods, (3) work with Derek Grooters in the Police Department, who coordinates urban deer hunting, and (4) letters sent to residents surrounding the new hunting area. Hunting began November 15, with minimal feedback so far. Tapp asked if hunters are interested in the new area. Thompson indicated he did not have information available yet. 5 10. PARK POLICIES UPDATE Abraham summarized City Council’s November 18 review of proposed changes to Municipal Code Chapter 19. Main discussion points: (1) Council was not interested in a 10 MPH speed limit ordinance, (2) Enforcement questions/challenges, (3) E-bike questions but no action taken, (4) Positive response to foraging, and (5) firearms allowed, other projectiles except for bow hunting not allowed. Council instructed staff to develop ordinance changes for review on December 9. Staff will bring the Commission a final draft of park rules as early as December 18. 11. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Abraham indicated staff is working to finalize a couple of items in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The Commission will see the five-year CIP in detail at a workshop meeting with the City Manager scheduled for December 4. Abraham noted several items for Years 1 and 5. 12. AMES CYCLONE AQUATICS CLUB 2026 FURMAN AQUATIC CENTER PRACTICE AGREEMENT Kort reviewed the annual agreement with Ames Cyclone Aquatics Club (ACAC) to use the 50- meter basin at Furman Aquatic Center for summer practices. Kort reviewed the flat fee rental rate established in 2024 and the rental fee of $82 per hour for 2026. The ACAC board reviewed and signed the 2026 agreement. MOTION: (Iles/Rathe) to recommend Alternative 1, which states: Approve the agreement with the Ames Cyclone Aquatics Club to use the 50-meter basin at the Furman Aquatic Center from May 27, 2026, until August 7, 2026, for practices for a minimum amount of $6,560.00. MOTION PASSED: (5-0) 13. BLUESTEM BOULDER AGREEMENT A new partnership with Bluestem Boulders will offer indoor boulder classes to youth and adults, Kort reported. For a 70/30 split of registration fees, Bluestem will provide the class facility and instructors, and the City will manage class registration and marketing materials, with Bluestem assisting with marketing efforts. Bluestem reviewed and signed the agreement. Tapp asked what type of classes will be offered – youth and adult free climbing, Kort said. MOTION: (White/Tapp) to recommend Alternative 1, which states: Approve the Bluestem Boulder agreement through December 31, 2026. MOTION PASSED: (5-0) 14. HARVEST PICKLEBALL & TENNIS AGREEMENT Kort reviewed an agreement between Parks and Recreation and Harvest Pickleball & Tennis to offer indoor pickleball opportunities for those ages 60 and over. This new agreement would build on the City’s partnership with Sixty Forward by creating a 60+ Pickleball League starting in January 2026. Harvest will provide courts and supervision; the City will conduct registrations, collect fees, create marketing materials, and create schedules. Revenues will be split 50/50. MOTION: (Tapp/Iles) to recommend Alternative 1, which states: 6 Approve the Pickleball agreement with Harvest Pickleball & Tennis through December 31, 2026. MOTION PASSED: (5-0) Shimanek expressed enthusiasm for community-strengthening public-private agreements. 15. ISU LAND ADJACENT MOORE MEMORIAL PARK Abraham reviewed conversations with ISU regarding repurposing university farmland adjacent Moore Memorial Park. Farming equipment accesses the property via a gravel road extending north from Scholl Road. Utilizing funding from Water and Pollution Control’s Nutrient Reduction Program, adjacent City land was converted to prairie now managed by Parks and Recreation. ISU’s Agriculture Department wishes to cease farming the ISU land. Conversations to date point toward converting the ISU farmland to prairie and then leasing it to the City at no cost. The City would mow trails through the prairie and perhaps install educational or interpretive signage. Staff view this conversion opportunity as another good use of nutrient reduction funds and an effective way for City departments to collaborate to achieve broader City sustainability goals. White said he is wildly enthusiastic, this is a great idea. The area is fairly flat and could support good trails, which would address a need for prairie trails in town. He thought it would take real work to create good prairie, but it would be worthwhile. Shimanek agreed, citing Skunk River Flats as an appealing area with mowed prairie trails and diverse flora and fauna. Iles also thought the prairie conversion idea sounded good. MOTION: (Iles/Rathe) to direct staff to pursue a lease agreement for ISU land adjacent to Moore Memorial Park, with the ISU property to be converted to prairie via funding from the WPC Nutrient Reduction program and a partnership with ISU. MOTION PASSED: (5-0) 16. COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE SPECIAL URBAN DEER TASK FORCE Police Chief Huff is assembling the Special Urban Deer Task Force. Per ordinance, Abraham said, the task force includes a Parks and Recreation Commission representative. The task force will provide City Council with a report and make recommendations on urban deer bow hunting policy. Shimanek stated he and Reeves would not be eligible because their Commission terms would end before the task force work concludes. Rathe volunteered to serve on the task force. MOTION: (Iles/White) to appoint Rathe as Parks and Recreation Commission representative on the Special Urban Deer Task Force. MOTION PASSED: (5-0) 17. PROJECT UPDATES a. Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center A facility tour for Commissioners, City Council, and Story County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for December 4. Abraham noted substantial construction progress since the June tour. Project change orders total just under $400,000, and use of remediation funds is minimal. Staff is working on furniture, fixtures, and equipment purchases. Overall, staff is very pleased with project progress. The substantial completion date is January 20, 7 2026, with opening in March. Staff will provide a budget and fees update to City Council on December 16. A Commission update will follow at the December 18 meeting. b. Steven L. Schainker Plaza Abraham indicated discussions related to the Plaza between the City and the Contractor are ongoing. 18. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson reported staff submitted two grant applications in August to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program. Staff was notified in late October that the City is being awarded both grants, one for $200,000 to be used toward installation of a pedestrian bridge over Ioway Creek in Moore Memorial Park, and the other for $200,000 to be used toward funding a pedestrian bridge in Ontario Park. Thompson noted REAP grants are generally very competitive and staff are pleased with these awards. 19. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS None 20. NEXT MEETINGS: a. Thursday, December 4, 2025, 4:00 PM at Homewood Golf Course (CIP Workshop) b. Thursday, December 18, 2025, 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting) 21. ADJOURNMENT MOTION (Iles) to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:49 PM.