by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published June 2, 2026
Ames residents got their first look inside the new Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center during an open house May 30, giving the public a chance to explore the facility before its full opening. The event allowed visitors to tour the walking track, multipurpose and party rooms, training areas and locker rooms. Guests also viewed the natatorium from the lobby and party rooms.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published April 29, 2026
Ames’ Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is almost done, but city officials are still working through a handful of problems. These include a standoff over a stain warranty, state inspection waivers and a system that could allow moisture to creep into parts of the building.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published March 25, 2026
Ames is on the verge of opening its long-awaited Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, but a dispute with a contractor over discolored exterior panels is threatening to put a blemish on the project.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published February 25, 2026
With a half-finished overhaul of its water pollution control facility and millions already invested, a state grant will lower the city’s debt and ease pressure on ratepayers.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published January 28, 2026
Ames is moving forward with plans to build a new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus that will replace the city’s aging waste processing plant, and the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is on track with its construction, the lobby floors require costly upgrades.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published January 14, 2026
The Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is gearing up to open its doors this year, with city staffers shifting their focus from construction to hiring employees, buying equipment and preparing the facility for swimmers.
by Bill Monroe, Reporter Published December 17, 2025
The opening of the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center may be delayed from March to April due to construction setbacks. The main pool area won’t be substantially completed until Feb. 13, while other parts of the building are scheduled to finish Jan. 23.
by Bill Monroe, Staff Reporter Published November 26, 2025
Ames area residents will soon be able to enjoy indoor swimming. The Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is moving forward on schedule, with crews making significant progress on the pools, locker rooms and other facilities that will serve the community in just a few months, the Ames City Council learned on Tuesday.
by Bill Monroe, Reporter Published August 27, 2025
Ames area residents can look forward to swimming indoors next spring as construction of the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is on schedule. Work on the project, located on Lincoln Way across from the Iowa DOT headquarters, is projected to be substantially completed by January with a grand opening in March.
