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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 08/20/2026CITY OF AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE August 20, 2026 COMMISSION PRESENT ABSENT STAFF Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson 1. CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: (White/Rathe) to approve the April 16, 2026, meeting minutes. MOTION PASSED: (7-0) MOTION: (Elsbernd/Warning) to approve the June 25, 2026, meeting minutes. MOTION PASSED: (7-0) 3. PUBLIC FORUM None 4. IOWA MULTISPORT REQUEST TO HOST THE AMES TRIATHLON ON JUNE 27, 2027, AT ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK Thompson reviewed a request from Iowa Multisport (IM) to use Ada Hayden Heritage Park (AHHP) to host its Ames Triathlon on June 27, 2027. He outlined several changes approved for the 2026 triathlon and included in the current request, including early setup and use of motorized golf carts or similar type vehicles within the park. Staff recommend Commission approval of IM’s request, including recommendations to City Council to waive ordinances prohibiting swimming and use of motorized vehicles within AHHP. Staff is very satisfied with IM’s efforts to ensure participant safety and to leave AHHP in good condition during and after the event. MOTION: (Sappenfield/Tapp) to recommend Alternative 1, which states: Parks and Recreation Commission can: a. Recommend City Council waive enforcement of the No Swimming ordinance (19.15) in the north lake of Ada Hayden Heritage Park, 7:00 – 10:00 AM, on Sunday, June 27, 2027, to allow Iowa Multisport to host Ames Triathlon. b. Approve Iowa Multisport to enter Ada Hayden Heritage Park as early as 3:30 AM on Sunday, June 27, 2027, for event preparation. c. Recommend City Council waive enforcement of Ordinance 19.9 from 3:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 27, 2027, to allow Iowa Multisport to utilize two motorized golf carts or similar type vehicles on the AHHP trails. 2 Noting past break-ins, Warning asked about security for vehicles parked off site. Thompson acknowledged the problem and efforts to use volunteers. He indicated IM and the adjacent businesses providing lots for off-site parking are responsible for lot security. Iles inquired about efforts to ensure swimmer safety. Thompson stated IM partners with Story County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and receives assistance from both the Ames and Gilbert fire departments as well as volunteers with lifeguard certification. White discussed his experience as a water safety volunteer, noting kayaks, canoes, and lifeguards available to support the athletes. Rathe asked how many people swim – about half of the 400 participants, Thompson said. MOTION PASSED: (7-0) 5. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN TIMELINE Abraham reviewed steps in the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process. Each year, City Council allocates funds for Plan Year 1 and approves Years 2-5 in concept. Abraham noted Parks and Recreation will host a public input meeting at Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse on September 9. Feedback from that meeting and other public and staff suggestions will be shared with the Commission in September. This year, the CIP needs to be fairly-well developed by early October. He encouraged the Commission to prepare input for the September meeting. Feedback and direction from staff’s meeting with the City Manager will be shared during the Commission’s October meeting. A Special Meeting with the City Manager will be held on December 3 at Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse. An initial review of the CIP by City Council occurs in January, with final City Council approval in February. 6. 2027/28 BUDGET DISCUSSION Abraham reviewed Iowa legislation limiting general property tax revenue growth for municipalities to a maximum 2% increase of previous-year collections, plus new growth. Last year, the City had a 3.8% increase. The City Manager instructed all departments to produce budgets under 3% and not reduce or eliminate services. Staff will need to look for efficiencies and savings. If service reductions are ultimately considered, staff will bring information to the Commission for feedback. Staff will know more following the August 25 City Council meeting, which has an agenda item on impacts of the State legislation. Iles characterized the update as sobering. Abraham stated that among City departments, Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation, and Library are the biggest General Fund users, and some may be more vulnerable to funding cuts. Iles asked how the Commission could help. Abraham suggested gathering public feedback related to what could be reduced or cut, what people can do without, or how people would respond to raising fees or adding service charges. Abraham stressed Ames has always tried to maintain established facility hours and services. He asked commissioners to bring any ideas or suggestions to the September meeting for discussion. Rathe thought reducing services or facility hours, or offering fewer classes, may be more realistic than eliminating things or selling off a park. Most Parks and Recreation programs have revenue above expenses, Abraham noted, and therefore help subsidize areas where expenses exceed revenues. On the surface, reductions may be the lesser of two evils, he agreed. Warning observed that cutting lifeguard hours may cause employees to look for another job, compounding problems. 3 7. DISCUSS ONTARIO PARK FEEDBACK Abraham provided an update on Ontario Park development progress. A request for proposal for a consultant to do a Master Plan is nearly complete. The current budget includes $1.3 million. Initial work to develop the park will focus on the north end of the property. Development of the south end would not occur until Wilder Avenue is extended north into the park and west to intersect with North 500th Avenue (County Line Road). In addition to an open house held in May, staff gathered extensive comment via a public survey. This feedback was summarized around three questions: (1) What do you like about the property? (2) How do you envision this park being used? and (3) What amenities would you like to see? Abraham asked for commissioner comments and feedback to help staff determine park priorities. Rathe thought the north end of the property lends itself more to a natural setting, while the south end would better suit traditional park features and amenities. Abraham agreed but noted there would still be a need on the north end for parking, restrooms, and other basic park infrastructure necessary to open the park. Rathe discussed where disc golf might be located. That activity would be better on south end, Abraham explained, to minimize issues with erosion and tree removals. Rathe noted comments about a Mason City park with mountain biking, and that the elevations on the north end of Ontario Park seemed appealing. Abraham noted various bike trail options and what might work with available funds and the size of the park. Warning commented on potential mountain biking accidents. White noted there would be ongoing trail maintenance and repairs. Abraham spoke about the importance of minimizing new maintenance demands and being careful to focus resources on things the community identifies as highest priorities. Iles asked if there is an appetite for a slow approach, i.e., doing a few things like restrooms and a shelter or two but otherwise leaving the area to age naturally to see what bubbles to the surface. Iles believed keeping the area natural seemed to be the top priority identified in public feedback about the park. Noting a $12 million estimate shared with City Council, Abraham said park development will have to be phased. Costs can change based on choices, but funding must be identified. A slow approach to development is good and realistic, he agreed. He referenced park planning principles supporting the idea of allowing something to reveal how people will use it. Rathe inquired about continued farming on the southern end of the park property. It is the City’s decision, Abraham indicated. Farming will occur again in 2027. Eventually, even if that portion of the property remains undeveloped, a decision may occur to transition from farming to something else, like prairie grass, to assist with erosion or with soil and water quality. The public clearly prefers something other than a large, open, manicured turf area. Abraham stated these decisions depend heavily on developing a Master Plan and on a timeline for extending Wilder Avenue. Sappenfield agreed with public excitement about having natural space. She suggested time and additional surveys and open houses may clarify priorities for recreational components. Everything included in public feedback as a desirable park component cannot go in the park, she observed. Rathe liked the idea of creating a list of the top five things to give to a consultant. Abraham agreed that priorities are needed to avoid overfilling the space. Rathe said activities like disc golf or mountain biking would fit better with the property’s natural areas, as opposed to pickleball, which brings lights and noise. Abraham described park playgrounds with natural features like downed trees and things to climb over or walk across, as well as parks with sensory walk prairie areas. Tapp said she appreciates Jester Park because she hikes often and, unlike Ada Hayden, will not always run into other people and bicycles, even when there are many people at the park. Rathe noted Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor has numerous walking routes and features that allow for a peaceful visit. Iles agreed and cited the Tedesco facility as a very good model. 4 White inquired about the timeline for building demolition at Ontario Park. Abraham said staff would try to have it done this fall. Initial direction from City Council was to reuse a couple of the buildings. Staff will revisit the matter with City Council because after site visits it is now better understood it is unrealistic to rehab any structure into something usable and safe without considerable expense. Abraham estimated it could cost perhaps a million dollars to renovate the barn. Warning noted there might be interest in reclaiming materials. Abraham indicated when the structures were listed last year there was no interest. Warning asked if the Fire Department would like to use the structures for training. Abraham said the Fire Chief has not been enthusiastic about that idea. Iles said it was good to see the comments in the public survey and good open house attendance, both showing overall positive interest in the park. Rathe asked if people can visit the park property now. Abraham replied no, the gate is locked. Cleanup and building demolition needs to occur to ensure safety before the park can open. Iles and Thompson discussed trail surface improvements and which would be accessible. Warning asked about use of Carroll Marty Disc Golf Course. Abraham reported the course is used less now than in the past, that it is more of a beginner course. Skilled players will likely favor Iowa State University Stable Run Disc Golf Course or other courses. Warning wondered if it was a good use of resources to put specialized areas within parks, noting there is a difference in the number of mountain bikers versus recreational bikers. Rathe, White, and Abraham discussed bike trails and various trail surfaces. White expressed interest in Ontario Park having a small fishing pond. It would be a good draw for children, but he would worry about swimming. White would not be in favor of a lot of dams to control water. He suggested a permeability test may be necessary to determine if a pond could be added that would hold water. Sappenfield suggested it would be valuable to narrow park priorities to three items. White thought a workday at the park would be good to get more people familiar and invested. 8. RECREATION CENTER PROCESS UPDATE A community recreation center is a City Council priority, Abraham explained. Staff is working on a request for proposal for a project consultant. Earlier in the week, staff met with Discover Ames team members Kevin Bourke and Justin Thiele to discuss what Discover Ames would want to see in a rec center and how it would use it to bring events to Ames. Staff requested a list of local sports groups to meet with to learn about those groups’ needs, enrollment, etc. That information will be compiled and shared with a consultant, who will be asked to generate conceptual designs, calculate capital and operational costs, and examine potential locations. Given budget restrictions and the inability to take on more subsidy, Abraham said the biggest concern with this project is how it can be a break-even facility, or if that is even possible. Once all the information is compiled, it will be brought to the Commission for feedback and recommendations. City Council will give final direction on facility size/purpose/focus and the users it will accommodate, i.e., the desired combination of programming for Parks and Recreation, residents, and events. 5 Warning asked if Discover Ames wants a community recreation center to enable it to bring large- scale tournaments to Ames. Justin Thiele, Business Development Specialist, Discover Ames, 1601 Golden Aspen Drive, Suite 110, spoke about hosting tournaments and how events vary in size and scope. He indicated Discover Ames would strive to make its efforts fit with whatever facility is constructed. If done right, he said, a rec center can break even or be profitable. Warning and Thiele discussed benefits to the City from facility rental fees as well as benefits to local businesses from visitors purchasing food and fuel, staying in hotels, etc. Warning shared concern with limited opportunities for residents to use the facility if it were reserved every weekend for events. Abraham said it would be important to size the facility properly and understand user interest and demand. Thiele said Discover Ames fully supports Parks and Recreation and community programming. Rathe spoke about a shortage of space for kids to use and said it would be important to have a good balance of community availability and event rentals. Abraham spoke about funding and how a major project could potentially go to a referendum. 9. PROJECT UPDATES a. Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Abraham reported swimming lessons and classes are going well at Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center (FFIAC). During the summer months, activities were moved to FFIAC from Furman Aquatic Center (FAC) a couple of times. On September 7, FAC will close for the season. September 8 will mark the transition to full days of activities and rentals at FFIAC. A ribbon cutting is planned for mid-September and will be followed by open swimming – the Commission is invited. Abraham reported 10 of 14 contracts will be closed after the next City Council meeting. The remaining four contracts will close in September. Current project costs are just over $27 million. b. Steven L. Schainker Plaza The spray pad feature has been used extensively and is well-liked, Abraham reported. The entire plaza will close after August 31 to allow contractor work to begin on September 1 to remove and replace the ice ribbon. The goal is to reopen for skating by mid-November. c. Daley Park Splash Pad Thompson indicated staff resubmitted design information to the State to be approved for construction. Following approval (expected by early September), the contractor will have until May 15, 2027, to complete the project. The goal is to have most of the work done this fall. A mechanical building constructed by staff is nearly done. 10. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson reported:  Staff has spent a lot of time with tree debris clean up following numerous storms with high winds and significant rainfall. Consistent rain this summer has resulted in a need for more mowing than usual this season.  Staff renovated three mini shelters at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. All funds for six new shelters (five are now done) were donated by The Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park or as memorial donations. The shelter renovations created accessible additions to park. 6 Abraham noted:  The 4th Annual Scholarship Duck Derby raised more than $8,000 for the Parks and Recreation scholarship fund. The fund balance is currently $675,000 - $700,000, with a goal of getting the principal to one million dollars. Abraham gave special thanks to several local businesses and sponsors for their support.  More than 800 people have completed onboarding to use EGYM equipment at the Sixty Forward Center. More EGYM equipment may potentially be added at a future rec center. Sappenfield asked for swim pass sales information – Abraham will bring that to the next meeting. Rathe asked for an update on the closed trail at Emma McCarthy Lee Park. Abraham explained that a portion of the Emma McCarthy Lee to Oakland Street access trail washed out. Staff is working with Public Works for recommendations. The cost to remove trees, reroute the creek channel, and rebuild the trail could be several hundred thousand dollars. The goal is to reopen the trail, but funding must be identified. If a realistic solution cannot be identified and the trail were to be closed, the relatively new bridge could be relocated, perhaps to Ontario Park. Thompson indicated Public Works cost estimates are $400 per linear foot for remediation, with approximately 900 feet calculated. 11. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Warning spoke about CrawDaddy Outdoors and use of kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. Abraham said CrawDaddy indicates current rentals just about cover costs. CrawDaddy is community-minded, sees the partnership as good for business, and wants to continue rentals, classes, free days, and perhaps begin rentals at Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center to create kayak class opportunities during wintertime. Warning mentioned difficulties finding aquatics schedules online, noting advertised Facebook pages without regular updates. Abraham suggested using the Facility Calendars link on the Parks and Recreation homepage on the City website. Rathe asked about progress with hiring aquatics staff for over the winter. Abraham said staff is being recruited but Recreation Superintendent Kort would be better able to provide an update. Warning and Rathe discussed aquatics passes and punch cards. Rathe appreciates that punch cards do not expire. 12. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting) 13. ADJOURNMENT MOTION (Sappenfield) to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:40 PM.