The City of Ames Parks and Recreation department will host an open house for Ontario Park on Saturday, May 9, from 1 to 3 p.m.



This open house is an opportunity to explore the property and provide input. You are encouraged to walk the site and imagine what could be included as the land is transformed into a park. Off-street parking will be available.

Starting the week of May 4, 2026, a contractor will remove and replace several concrete panels along the path around the south lake at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. Please be aware of ongoing work and temporary path closures during the project. Work is expected to be completed by May 9, weather permitting. See the map below for more details.

SATURDAY, MAY 9

9 A.M.

STARTING AND ENDING AT CITY HALL

MAYOR'S BIKE RIDE DETAILS

NOW HIRING

Dance and Gymnastics Instructors

Dance and Gymnastics Instructors will lead classes for a variety of ages and skill levels. Ideal candidates are energetic, patient, and committed to creating a positive and safe learning environment.

Pay range: $11.07–$11.74 per hour

If interested, apply online at www.CityOfAmes.org/Jobs.

For questions about the position, contact Courtney Kort, at Courtney.Kort@cityofames.org or 515-239-5353.

NOW HIRING

Aqua Fitness Instructors

Love the water? Turn your passion into a paycheck!

The City of Ames Parks and Recreation is seeking energetic and reliable aqua fitness instructors for year-round opportunities. Classes are offered at Furman Aquatic Center and Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center.

Pay range: $15.66–$16.61 per hour

If interested, apply online at www.CityOfAmes.org/Jobs.

For questions about the position, contact Claire Eagan, Wellness Program Manager, at Claire.Eagan@cityofames.org or 515-239-5353.

Aquatic Hiring Event — Lifeguards, water slide attendants and water safety instructors

Saturday, May 9, 2026

10 a.m. to noon

Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, 115 North Elm Ave.



Apply, interview and take the lifeguard/water slide attendant pre-skills test, if applicable. Bring your swimsuit to the event.

The 4th Annual Scholarship Duck Derby is set for Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 6:45 p.m. at the Furman Aquatic Center, 1635 13th St.

Adopt a duck and cheer it on as hundreds of rubber ducks are dropped down the water slide before racing around the lazy river. Prizes will be awarded to the winning ducks (you do not need to be present to win). Winners can receive prizes such as a free bike, cash and gift cards to local restaurants and businesses.

All proceeds from the Duck Derby benefit the Ames Parks and Recreation Scholarship Fund, which helps make recreation programs accessible to everyone in the community.



A special thank you to presenting sponsor Mucky Duck Pub for helping make this event possible!

Summer Chess Camp



July 13 to July 17

Full day: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Half day (morning): 9 a.m. to noon

Half day (afternoon): noon to 3 p.m.

Ames/ISU Ice Arena, 1507 Gateway Hills Park Drive

Registration: Half day, $260; full day, $370

Each camper receives a T-Shirt, trophy, and puzzle folder. Space is limited. Register early to guarantee a spot.

Mother’s Day Special at Homewood Golf Course. Mother’s play free with a paying customer on Sunday, May 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

For tee times visit www.cityofames.org/teetimes or call 515-239-5363.

Homewood Golf Course will be closed for scheduled turf maintenance on Monday, May 11 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

During this time, maintenance staff will aerate all greens. Aeration is an essential turf management practice that improves air and water movement through the soil, promoting healthier grass and more consistent playing conditions.



We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to maintain excellent course conditions.

Join us at Homewood Clubhouse as Homewood partners with Paint with a Twist for an instructor led, canva painting event on Tuesday, June 2 from 7 to 9 p.m.

All materials provided. Adult and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. $42 for individuals.

Register in advance at www.paintingwithatwist.com to secure your spot. 

Summer Session: June 1 to July 30

Various dates and times available

Fitch Aquatic Center, 115 N. Elm Ave.

Registration: $72 residents, $87 nonresidents

Registration deadline: Monday, May 23



Summer swimming lessons are now open for registration. If no space is available, please sign up for the waitlist, and we will do our best to accommodate everyone this summer.

Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, 115 N. Elm

Ames Parks and Recreation is offering several aquatics certification classes, including Lifeguard, Lifeguard Recertification, Lifeguard Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor Recertification and Water Safety Instructor. These courses provide an opportunity to gain valuable lifesaving skills, maintain certifications and prepare for employment in aquatics while helping keep the community safe.

A new session of group fitness classes begins Monday, May 18 and ends Sunday, June 28. Classes are offered in-person and virtually.

For more information, contact the Community Center at 515-239-5350.

A new session of group fitness classes begins Monday, May 18 and ends Sunday, June 28 at Sixty Forward.

For more information, contact the Community Center at 515-239-5350.

A new Tae Kwon Do session begins Tuesday, May 12 and ends Sunday, June 21.

Various days and times available

Parks & Recreation Administration Building

1500 Gateway Hills Park Drive

Ages 5 and older

For more information, contact Claire Eagan at 515-239-5353 or Claire.Eagan@cityofames.org.

Adult Coed Soccer



Sundays and Wednesdays, May 27 to late July

Various times

North River Valley Park, 725 E. 13th St.

Divisions: Competitive and Recreational



Ages: 17 and older

League fees: $95 per game plus $15 per nonresident

Registration deadline: Sunday, May 10

Captains meeting: Wednesday, May 13

Please send rosters to Devin at Devin.Hatch@cityofames.org.

RECREATION GUIDE