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Council endorses Fitch Family Aquatic Center operations plan, reviews fees and scholarship approach
Summary
Council approved in concept a proposed operating schedule and fee framework for the new Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, heard that construction is underway and that a public survey drew 2,154 responses; Story County pledged $500,000 to the project, granting county residents Ames rates for 10 years.
City staff told the council on Dec. 10 that construction at the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is underway — precast walls are going up and roof installation is next — and that more than $11 million has been raised through grants and donations for the project.
Staff proposed an operating plan that shifts most summer swim lessons to the Fitch facility to address lifeguard staffing and retention challenges, offers indoor open swim during inclement weather when Furman Aquatic Center is closed, and makes Fitch the primary off‑season facility for lessons and programming. Courtney reported a 10‑day public survey produced 2,154 responses to help shape programming times and priorities.
Staff also proposed fee and pass structures and asked council to approve the concepts in principle; they noted equity concerns and the need to expand scholarship outreach because only a small share of existing pass purchasers historically used the scholarship program. The council heard that Story County contributed $500,000 to the project and that county residents will pay resident rates for 10 years under that agreement.
Council approved staff’s motion to proceed with the proposed operations and fee concepts, with staff directed to refine household definitions, scholarship outreach and payment options (including exploring installment/ACH payments) and to present fee schedules to the Parks & Recreation Commission in January prior to final budget decisions.
Next steps: staff will submit fees and charges to the Parks & Recreation Commission in January and incorporate Fitch operating costs into the 2025 budget process.
