Department Information

The City of Ames does not provide individual, team, or group insurance for participants in Parks and Recreation Department programs.

Each summer, Ames Parks and Recreation sponsors the “Adopt a Flower Garden” program — an effort to encourage public involvement in ongoing park beautification.

In 2010, more than 50 gardens were planted with over 20,000 flowers donated by Holub Greenhouses of Ames. The Parks and Recreation Department prepares the beds and provides bedding plants and water. Volunteers are needed to design, plant and care for the flower gardens throughout the growing season.

We thank Holub Greenhouses of Ames for their generous annual donation of more than $7,000 worth of flowers to help beautify our city.

To get involved in the program or request more information, contact Joe Newman at joe.newman@cityofames.org or call 515-239-5341.

If you require special assistance to participate in programs or use facilities, please call 515-239-5350.

For cancellations or changes, call 515-239-5434 or check the Ames Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Weather-related cancellations will be posted at least one hour before a program begins. However, weather conditions may change, and decisions may be made at the program site. If sudden threatening weather occurs, please pick up your children immediately.

We reserve 63 garden plots at Ioway Creek Park, 600 S. Maple Ave. Plot sizes are 10 feet by 40 feet and 10 feet by 25 feet. Additionally, 14 ADA-accessible raised garden plots are available at Carr Park, 1704 Meadowlane Ave., with plot sizes of 3 feet by 10 feet.

Individuals interested in reserving a plot should call 515-239-5350.

Garden Plot Interest Form

Gift cards are now available and can be used for admission, concessions at our facilities, or any of our programs. Stop in and let us make your special occasion shopping easy! Gift cards can be purchased at the Community Center, Ames/ISU Ice Arena, Homewood Golf Course, and Furman Aquatic Center. They can also be reloaded by calling 515-239-5350.

• Cross Country Skiing in River Valley Park(PDF, 485KB)

• Cross Country Ski Trails Map(PDF, 484KB)

• Bike and Recreational Trails Map(PDF, 3MB)

Memorial Opportunities in City Parks
The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department offers individuals, businesses, and organizations the opportunity to donate memorials within the city’s park system. Memorials may be designated through the Memorial Tree Program, Memorial Bench Program, or General Donations.

For larger monetary contributions, opportunities are available for park naming and major park amenities. Interested individuals or organizations are encouraged to contact City staff to discuss potential memorial locations. Final placement will be based on departmental needs and the areas identified in the Park Master Plan.

For more information, contact:
Joshua Thompson
Parks and Facilities Superintendent
Phone: 515-239-5364
Email: joshua.thompson@cityofames.org

Memorial Tree Program

The Memorial Tree Program offers individuals, businesses, and organizations the opportunity to honor loved ones or commemorate special events by planting trees in City of Ames parks. Businesses may dedicate a tree to recognize outstanding employees or milestone achievements, while community groups may contribute as a lasting gift to the public.

Ames has an extensive and growing park system, and trees enhance its beauty while providing long-term environmental and community benefits. Contributions are used to purchase, plant, and maintain trees.

Memorial tree requests are accepted year-round; however, trees are only planted in the spring or fall to ensure optimal health and development. Tree selection is based on location and species diversity.

Memorial Bench Program
The Memorial Bench Program provides an opportunity to commemorate a special person or occasion through the placement of a park bench. Each bench includes a plaque with text approved by the City.

• Cost: $2,000

• Term: 20-year renewable adoption

• Maintenance: Benches will be maintained by the Ames Parks and Recreation Department according to department standards throughout the 20-year term. Damaged or vandalized benches will be repaired or replaced during the adoption period.

General Donations
General donations are accepted and used where they are most needed in the parks system, as determined by the Parks and Recreation Director and the Parks and Recreation Commission. From time to time, donations may be designated for specific projects that benefit the community.

Park Naming
For information about the Park Master Plan, future park expansion, or naming opportunities, please contact:

Keith Abraham
Parks and Recreation Director
Phone: 515-239-5349
Email: keith.abraham@cityofames.org

Parks are sprayed between the hours of 8 and 10 p.m. on the following days:

Mondays

• Country Gables Park
• Ames Dog Park
• Hunziker Youth Sports Complex

Tuesdays

• Homewood Golf Course
• Inis Grove Park
• Brookside Park
• River Valley Park

Wednesdays

• Bandshell Park
• Moore Memorial Park
• Emma McCarthy Lee Park
• Daley Park

In case of rain, mosquito fogging will take place Friday mornings between 6 and 8 a.m. or in the evening from 8 to 10 p.m.

Ames residents make a significant contribution to the funding and operation of the Parks and Recreation Department through property taxes. This tax is paid whether or not individuals participate in department programs or use city parks and recreation facilities.

The “fair share” policy is designed to ensure that non-residents contribute equitably by paying an additional fee, helping to support the department at a level comparable to that of residents. A resident is defined as someone who lives within the city limits of Ames or owns a business or property within those limits.

An additional fee of up to $15 will be added to the resident rate for non-residents participating in programs that receive tax subsidization. This fee does not apply to program fees at Homewood Golf Course, the Ames/ISU Ice Arena, or to shelter reservations.

• Park hours are 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.
• Tobacco use is prohibited in all facilities, including the entire park system. (Iowa Code Chapter 142D, Smokefree Air Act)
• Alcoholic beverages: Keg beer is not allowed in any park. Beer and wine are permitted in Brookside, Inis Grove, McCarthy Lee, North River Valley, South River Valley and Moore Memorial parks. Alcohol is not allowed in any other park areas.
• Bicycles are not allowed in Munn Woods, East River Valley, Audubon Trail or the Georgie Tsushima Memorial Skate Park.
• Fires are allowed in grills only.
• Horses are not allowed.
• Park structures, bridges and equipment must only be used for their intended purposes. Misuse is unlawful.
• Pets must be leashed at all times.
• Pet waste must be cleaned up by the owner.
• Snowmobiles are not allowed.
• Trapping and hunting are not allowed.
• Vehicles must remain on designated roadways.
• Skating and skateboarding are not allowed on tennis courts.
• Weddings are allowed in and immediately adjacent to a shelter. Large open green spaces, trails and bridges must remain open and accessible to the public.

Vandalism in our park system is a serious, costly, and unnecessary problem. Each year, the city spends thousands of taxpayer dollars to remove graffiti and repair damage caused by vandals — money that could be better spent enhancing and beautifying the parks.

If you see anyone committing acts of vandalism — such as driving on the grass, damaging trees or plants, or defacing shelters, restrooms, signs, trails or playground equipment — please call the Ames Police Department at 515-239-5133 to report it.

That’s all you need to do. The Police Department will take it from there.

Thank you for helping keep our parks safe, clean and beautiful.

Photos and videos may be taken during program activities and may be used in future department promotional materials.

Refund Policy
Participants who cancel their enrollment or reservation at least 72 hours before the first day of a session or class will receive a refund (issued to the original credit card used for payment) or a credit on their household account. This general refund policy does not apply to aquatic programs, including Red Cross swim lessons and certifications.

Aquatics Refund Policy
Participants who cancel their enrollment at least one week prior to the first day of a session or class will receive a refund (to the original credit card) or a credit on their household account. No refunds will be issued after the registration deadline.

Credits or refunds will also be automatically issued if:

• A class is canceled by Parks and Recreation staff

• A participant remains on the wait list once the class has started

Staff will make every effort to reschedule canceled daily activities; however, refunds or credits will not be issued if a make-up date is not possible.

Credits may be issued on a case-by-case basis for medical reasons, unforeseen circumstances, or class dissatisfaction, as determined by the program manager. To request a refund for credit issued, please call 515-239-5350.

Classes may be canceled, combined, or modified based on registrations received by the suggested registration date. Class fees will not be prorated for late registration.

• By Mail: Send a completed registration form to Ames Parks and Recreation, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010.

• By Fax: Fax your completed form to 515-239-5355.

• Drop-Off: Place your form in the drop box on the east side of City Hall (off Clark Avenue).

• Walk-In: Register in person at the Community Center Gym office, located at the southwest corner of City Hall (off 5th Street).

• Online: Register anytime using your Household ID. Enroll online.

Please refer to the program guide to view the brochure, download registration forms, or request a Household ID.

To be placed on a wait list, you must pay the full class fee. If an opening becomes available, we will contact you by phone and email a receipt automatically enrolling you in the class with your registration payment.

If no opening occurs, any fees paid will be applied as a credit to your account or refunded to your credit card after the class has begun.

When submitting registration forms by mail, fax, or drop-off, please list both a first and second choice. If your first choice is full, we will automatically enroll you in your second choice. If your second choice is also full—or if no second choice is listed—you will be placed on the wait list for your first choice.