Park Information
Ames boasts 40 parks and a full complement of recreational facilities. Sunset Ridge is our newest park. The City Council, Parks & Recreation Commission, and city staff invite you to enjoy our city's beautiful park system.
Reminder: Tobacco products are not allowed in any of our facilities, including parks, in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 142D—the Smokefree Air Act.
Parks With Shelters for Rent
Specialized Parks
Park Resources
Adopt a Flower Garden
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.
Community Gardens
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
Park Watch
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.
Mosquito Fogging in Parks
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.
Other Park Links