HomeMy WebLinkAboutA010 - September 8, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City CouncilITEM #:10
DATE:09-08-26
DEPT:P&R
SUBJECT:REQUEST FOR 2027 AMES TRIATHLON AT ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE
PARK
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Iowa Multisport (IM) is requesting to use Ada Hayden Heritage Park (AHHP) to host its
Ames Triathlon on June 27, 2027. The event consists of a 500-meter swim in the north lake,
a 12-mile bike ride that starts in the park and travels through north Ames- the northwestern
portions of Story County, and finishes in the park, and a 5k run that uses the hard surface trail
in the park. The north parking lot is used for staging athletes, bicycles, and safety vehicles for
the event. The shelter area is used for registration and the finish line for the event. Almost
400 individuals participated in the 2026 Ames Triathlon that was held this past June.
Staff reviewed the 2026 event with representatives from IM in late July. The event went well
despite the high temperatures and gusty winds which made the triathlon more challenging for
participants.
IM is requesting the following for the June 27, 2027, event:
1. Waiving Enforcement of No Swimming
IM requested a waiver of the enforcement of the "No Swimming" ordinance at AHHP for the
2027 event. Swimming would occur between 7:00 - 10:00 a.m. on June 27, 2027.
Since the "No Swimming" prohibition is a City ordinance, the Parks and Recreation
Commission discussed this request at its August meeting and recommended City Council
waive enforcement of Section 19.15 for this event.
2. Waiving enforcement of No Motorized Vehicles on Trails
IM requested the use of two motorized golf carts or similar type vehicles to use for the duration
of the 2027 event (3:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) to set up water stations as well as assist volunteers
in the event of an emergency.
Since the operation of motorized vehicles on trails is prohibited by City ordinance, the Parks
and Recreation Commission discussed this request at its August meeting and recommended
City Council waive enforcement of Section 19.9 of Municipal Code for this event.
3. Early entry into the Park for set up
IM is requesting to get into the park on Sunday, June 27, 2027, for set up as early as 3:30
a.m., which is prior to regular park hours (6:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.).
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Ames Municipal Code delegates this authority to the Parks and Recreation Commission and it
was approved at the August Commission meeting.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests to waive enforcement of:
a. Section 19.15 of Ames Municipal Code to allow swimming in the north lake at Ada
Hayden Heritage Park, 7:00 - 10:00 a.m., on Sunday, June 27, 2027, to allow Iowa
Multisport to host the Ames Triathlon.
b. Section 19.9 of Ames Municipal Code to allow Iowa Multisport to utilize two
motorized golf carts or similar type vehicles on the trails at Ada Hayden Heritage
Park, 3:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., on June 27, 2027.
2. Do not approve the requests for the June 27, 2027 Ames Triathlon.
3. Refer this item back to staff for further information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Iowa Multisport has done an excellent job in organizing and implementing a plan to
ensure a safe and high-quality event that showcases Ames and Ada Hayden Heritage
Park. Swimming has been allowed to take place since the inception of the event in
2019, without incident. Staff is confident that Iowa Multisport will continue to provide
the highest standard of safety for the 2027 event. The use of golf carts or similar type
vehicles on the trails increases the level of safety by improving response times if any
situation arises during the event. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager
that the City Council approve Alternative No. 1, as stated above.
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