City of Ames - City Government

City of Ames - City Government Welcome to the official page of the City of Ames, Iowa. Smart Choice! Thank you for accessing the City of Ames' page.

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Is it better to water your lawn in the morning or the evening? How much of a difference do a few small changes really ma...
06/16/2026

Is it better to water your lawn in the morning or the evening? How much of a difference do a few small changes really make? And could smarter watering help avoid future restrictions?

In the latest episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart talks with Water and Pollution Control Director John Dunn about outdoor water use and the simple steps residents can take to keep lawns and gardens healthy while making the most of our community's water resources.

Tune in for practical tips, a look behind the scenes at Ames' water system, and advice that can help you save water without sacrificing your summer landscape.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or online at www.CityofAmes.org/Podcast

06/15/2026

What a fantastic first day at Schainker Plaza! Thank you to everyone who stopped by, explored the park, and helped make opening day so special. It was great to see so many families enjoying the newest park in the City of Ames, and the spray pad was definitely a big hit!

If you haven't visited yet, head downtown and check it out. Schainker Plaza offers a great place to relax with plenty of seating, a fun atmosphere, public restrooms, and of course, the new spray pad.

The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and the spray pad is active from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. To turn on the water, simply touch the top of either of the two white bollards. The spray cycle runs for five minutes, and you can restart it as often as you'd like.

As you visit, please remember that the fenced-off ice skating ribbon area remains an active construction zone and is not open to the public yet. We know everyone is excited to see the finished project, and we're looking forward to opening the completed park in November!

Thanks again for helping us kick off a great first day. We can't wait to see you back at Schainker Plaza this summer!

[Video of kids enjoying the spray pad]

06/15/2026

♻️ Do you know your recycling? ♻️

Let's find out! Today's challenge item is a plastic water bottle. Does it belong in the new blue recycling cart or in the trash?

Leave your guess in the comments, then check back tomorrow for the answer and a new item.

Learn more at www.CityofAmes.org/Recycling

06/15/2026

🎉 We’re live from Schainker Plaza for Opening Day! 💦🌳

Come check out Ames’ newest downtown gathering space and cool off at the spray pad. Whether you’re bringing the kids to play, meeting up with friends, or just enjoying a beautiful day outside, Schainker Plaza is ready to welcome you.

🕕 Park Hours: 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
💧 Spray Pad Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Stop by, explore the park, and celebrate the opening with us. We can’t wait to see you at Schainker Plaza!

06/15/2026

Community members are invited to join Justin Clausen, Ames Public Works Director, and Mark Peebler, Resource Recovery Superintendent, for an upcoming City Connect event. This is an opportunity to have open, informal conversations about City services, ask questions, and learn more about the work happening behind the scenes to keep Ames running smoothly.

🗓 Thursday, June 18
⏰ 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
📍 60 Forward, 205 S. Walnut

Whether you're curious about Public Works projects, resource recovery services, or have a topic you'd like to discuss, all are welcome to stop by and join the conversation.

City Connect and Council Connect events offer a relaxed setting to engage with local leaders, learn about City initiatives, and stay connected to the Ames community. We hope to see you there!

[Video highlighting guests Justin Clausen and Mark Peebler]

Join us for extra evening swim time at Furman Aquatic Center on Monday, June 15, from 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. Inflatables will...
06/14/2026

Join us for extra evening swim time at Furman Aquatic Center on Monday, June 15, from 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. Inflatables will be available for fun races in the lap lanes during this event!

Regular admission fee or season pass. No registration required.

Furman Aquatic Center, 1635 13th St.

06/14/2026

The Neighborhood Connections Road Trip is headed to Kate Mitchell Elementary School!

Join us Wednesday, June 17, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 3521 Jewel Drive for an afternoon of community fun. Meet your neighbors, chat with City staff and elected officials, explore City vehicles and equipment, enjoy activities for all ages, and grab a snack while learning more about the services that help keep Ames running.

This free, family-friendly event is open to everyone. Come by, ask questions, make connections, and enjoy a fun afternoon close to home!

Kate Mitchell Elementary School Parking Lot
Wednesday, June 17
4 to 6 p.m.

Learn more about Neighborhood Connections and other City programs at CityOfAmes.org.

[Video hghlighting the road trip block party]

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for the Ames Juneteenth Celebration at Bandshell Park! It was wonderful to see...
06/14/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for the Ames Juneteenth Celebration at Bandshell Park! It was wonderful to see so many people out enjoying the music, great food, and time together as a community.

We had so many positive conversations throughout the day, from learning more about the new curbside recycling program to sharing ideas during the Duff Avenue public input process. The Ames Human Relations Commission also welcomed visitors to mark their favorite places and community highlights on the Ames map, creating a unique picture of what makes our City special.

Events like this are a great reminder that Ames is built on connection, conversation, and community. Thank you for celebrating with us. We had a great time, and we hope you did too!

Want to learn more? Visit www.CityofAmes.org/Recycling for curbside recycling information and www.DuffAveStudy.com to share your thoughts and learn more about the Duff Avenue Study.

Join us for Yoga in the Park!Every Saturday through July 25 (No class on July 4)9 to 10 a.m.Bandshell Park, 125 E. Fifth...
06/13/2026

Join us for Yoga in the Park!

Every Saturday through July 25 (No class on July 4)
9 to 10 a.m.
Bandshell Park, 125 E. Fifth St.

This free class appropriate for all skill levels. Wear comfortable clothing and bring your own mat.

In case of inclement weather, call the cancellation hotline at 515-239-3454 or check the Ames Parks and Recreation page.

Address

515 Clark Avenue
Ames, IA
50010

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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