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Parks staff report construction progress on aquatic center, mini pitch and agility course
Summary
Staff updated the commission on capital projects: the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center progress, Shaker Plaza testing and remediation planning, design funds for Homewood Golf Course bridge, awarded contracts for the agility course, and a lower-than-budget bid for the mini pitch.
Department staff provided the Parks and Recreation Commission with status updates on several capital projects in Ames parks.
Keith and Joshua, Parks and Recreation staff members, described progress at the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center and other park projects. Staff said the natatorium walls are up and the roof steel is being installed; mechanical, locker room and multipurpose-room work is ongoing. Story Construction and RDG Planning will provide an in‑person update to City Council on Jan. 28, staff said.
Shaker Plaza: Terracon completed ground-penetrating radar (GPR) testing of the ice ribbon; topographic surveying remains. Staff said concrete consultants will evaluate four potential remediation solutions once all data are in and that a determination about opening and any corrective work may be possible in February or March.
Homewood Golf Course: staff confirmed design funds of $75,000 have been used to fund design work for a bridge at Hole No. 9; the bridge itself is included in the city's Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Staff said the design work was taken from fund balance to defray future construction costs.
Agility course and mini pitch: The commission heard that the agility course contract was signed with Caliber Concrete (site base) and Outdoor Recreation Products (equipment and surfacing), with staff planning to install some site amenities in-house. Joshua said, "The plan is to start sometime, hopefully, in April," regarding construction for the agility course. For the mini pitch, bids came in at just over $100,000 against a budget of $150,000; City Council approved the awarding of contracts to move the mini pitch forward, and staff will coordinate concrete testing with Public Works.
Staff also noted smaller maintenance items and donations: two shelter renovations at Ada Hayden Heritage Park were completed with donated funds, and the Friends of Ada Hayden pledged additional funding (including $10,000 toward a utility vehicle) to support park maintenance.
Ending: Staff said project schedules will be refined after contractor meetings and that ribbon cuttings are anticipated later in the season as projects complete.
