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Ames moves ahead on parks projects: Brookside playground, Daly Park splash pad, Ada Hayden trail safety and consolidated maintenance facility
Summary
The Ames City Council approved May 13 a package of parks capital moves — a new Brookside Park playground (partly funded by a $75,000 Noon Kiwanis donation), plans to build a Daly Park splash pad, an ADA trail segment at Ada Hayden, and a consolidated Parks maintenance facility — while asking staff to manage alternates to stay within budget.
The Ames City Council on May 13 approved a group of parks capital actions that together fund a new Brookside Park playground, advance a Daly Park splash pad, proceed with an ADA trail work at Ada Hayden and authorize plans to build a consolidated Parks maintenance facility.
Brookside Park: Council awarded a contract to Boland Recreation for new playground equipment at Brookside Park. The project will add a new “generational” swing — a multi‑user swing allowing a parent and child to use the seat together — and Noon Kiwanis pledged a $75,000 contribution toward the project and a nearby hickory shelter. Council asked staff to explore adding an “Oodle” (roll‑on) accessible swing if budget permitted; staff will attempt to add that alternate if bid savings are available.
Daly Park splash pad and Ada Hayden trail: Staff presented three separate projects being bid together to realize savings. For Daly Park the council approved proceeding with the plans and specifications; construction timing will depend on contractor availability but staff expects completion around late spring or Memorial Day of 2026 in typical schedules. The council discussed parking constraints at Daly Park and asked staff to monitor parking demand and consider relocating or adding off‑street parking as needed. Council also approved plans and specifications for an ADA access segment at Ada Hayden and noted the project ranked low priority in the city’s Walk, Bike & Roll plan but is being advanced to address safety concerns.
Parks maintenance facility: Council approved plans and bids for a consolidated Parks maintenance facility intended to replace multiple older structures and realize operational efficiencies. The city’s project summary showed combined budgetary positions across the three projects with some alternates and possible shortfalls; staff said savings from completed projects, alternates not awarded or park development funds can cover the remaining gap. Council approved awarding the contracts and asked staff to manage alternates to stay within budget.
Next steps: staff will finalize contract awards, work through alternates to match actual bid totals with available funds, monitor Daly Park parking demand as the splash pad moves toward construction, and return to council with any required additions to funding or alternate scopes.
