Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Facility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Construction at Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center progresses; city staff report no groundwater or soil contamination so far
Summary
Contractors and architects reported that the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is now dried-in and interior work has advanced; the wellness pool basin has been excavated and project documentation shows submittals 96% complete.
City project managers and the construction manager told the council Monday that construction at the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is advancing and that they have not yet encountered groundwater or contaminated soils.
Troy Turner, senior project manager for Storey Construction, reported that roofing is complete and the building is “dried in,” allowing interior work to proceed. “This is the remaining pieces of airport drive that are old that need to be replaced,” Turner said of earlier projects; on the pool project he showed progress photos of the north entry, locker-room plumbing, and the excavation for the wellness pool basin. Brad Ronenberg, project manager for RDG (architect), reviewed interior sequencing and the mockups used to confirm pool-deck finishes and details.
City staff said submittals are 96% complete and that no change orders were processed this month. City project reporting lists about $251,000 (roughly 12% of contingency) used to date; the remaining contingency balance is nearly $850,000, plus a separate $1 million mitigation allowance.
Design and construction notes: - Wellness pool: contractors have begun excavation and placed vapor barrier and rock subbase under the basin; the team is using a 15–60 mil vapor barrier assembly depending on location. - Natatorium: precast elements and glass partitioning are being installed; extensive underground plumbing and pool mechanical rooms are being prepared. - Special inspection: consultant Terracon has been engaged for building-envelope and slab vapor-barrier oversight and is conducting pre-installation meetings and periodic inspections.
Schedule: Staff reported a target of substantial completion around Jan. 20, 2026, with facility turn-over to the city and staff onboarding following. Council and staff said they expect an opening for public use in the spring of 2026 after equipment startup, furnishings and staff trainings are completed; staff noted March as a working estimate for opening but said a more precise schedule will be available after the May progress meeting.
Council accepted the monthly update; the motion to accept was approved by voice vote.
Why it matters: The new center is a major capital project for Ames, involving public safety, staffing, and public access planning. Staff emphasized the use of a special inspector and mockups to reduce rework and long-term maintenance risks.
Council action: Motion to accept monthly project update. Outcome: motion carried (voice vote).
