Ames CSD outlines AIMS Center remodel, elementary playground schedule and stadium upgrades; playground change order approved

Rob Addy, director of facilities for the Ames Community School District, presented detailed plans and timelines on a package of facilities work that includes AIMS Center renovations, three elementary playground replacements and upgrades to the high school stadium.

The board was told the district will sequence playground construction starting at Sawyer Elementary, then Fellows and Mitchell, with equipment arriving in May, site work beginning June 2 and surfacing and closeout work targeting substantial completion on July 31. Addy said temporary fencing and modifications to drop-off areas will keep summer-school students separated from construction traffic. "They will be able to use part of the asphalt basketball courts as well as some green space, for their recess and keep them safely away from construction," Addy said.

Addy described work at the AIMS Center that would include final closeout steps for the center, reroofing and fire-system work, repurposing or remodeling of the Ogden building and gym, and demolition of two buildings the district determined were not cost-effective to rehab. He said the district is seeking proposals for architects/engineers for that AIMS work with an RFP timeline that would be issued April 22, proposals due May 9, interviews (if needed) May 16 and a selection recommendation to the board on May 19.

On the high school stadium project, Addy said powder-coating color swatches for the metal facade and bleachers were under review, and that a West-end bleacher install would begin in July. He also described small site changes including adding asphalt where grass currently causes mowing issues and adding an additional 6 inches of asphalt in one corner for maintenance consistency.

The board approved a change order for bid package number 2 for the 2025 elementary playground improvements project (change order No.1) by a 6–0 vote. The motion to approve the change order was moved by DeWerde and seconded by Birbohm. The district recorded the vote as six ayes, zero nays.

Addy also summarized other facilities items discussed by the facilities committee, including switching maintenance-management software to FMX, adding intercoms at the AIMS Center, emergency roof repairs to Gym 2, and extension of a $1 community garden agreement with Story County Extension. He said the district plans some site enhancements such as a walking/biking path, a traffic garden for education and upgrades to the community garden and playground equipment.

The presentation closed with an invitation for board questions; no substantive changes to scope or timing were recorded at the meeting.