Ames Opened Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center

The city recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 38,900-square-foot facility.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Swimming

Wide view of a pristine indoor swimming pool with blue water and lane markers in a bright, modern municipal facility. — The City of Ames officially opened the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center on Tuesday, marking the completion of a major municipal project under budget. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe large-scale city investments in recreational facilities benefit your community?

The City of Ames officially celebrated the opening of the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center. The project was completed under its original budget estimate.

Why it matters

The new facility provides a significant addition to the local recreational infrastructure in Ames. Its completion under budget marks a notable development for city capital projects.

The 38,900-square-foot facility cost $27 million, coming in $5 million under the initial $32 million estimate. Rich and Mary Fitch contributed a $3 million donation toward the project.

The players

City of Ames

This is the municipal government responsible for the management and development of public infrastructure projects in Ames.

Rich and Mary Fitch

These donors provided a $3 million gift to support the development of the new indoor aquatic facility.

The details

Located at 115 N. Elm Ave., the center began operations earlier this summer. The project reached completion following a ground-breaking event held in early 2024.

Construction began in April 2024.
The facility opened for swimming on June 1, 2026.
The city held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 18, 2026.

Data Centers
Sept. 21
Ames Council Will Consider Electric Rate Increases
Financial Aid
Sept. 23
Iowa Approved Loans for New Ames Waste System
Residential
Sept. 23
Ames Council Approved Residential Rezoning Plan

Season Trajectory

The completion of the aquatic center aligns with the 2024 Ames municipal capital improvement plan to expand local fitness amenities. This project successfully follows the city's broader strategy to modernize public athletic facilities while maintaining fiscal discipline.

Residents gain immediate access to an indoor swimming venue that remains open throughout the year. The project completion ensures that city-funded recreational space is now available for public use at the 115 N. Elm Ave. site.

The takeaway

The successful delivery of this project under its $32 million estimate highlights the impact of private donations on public infrastructure goals. Residents can now utilize the new indoor facility for year-round aquatic activities.