Ames Parks and Recreation

10/11/2026

Time to get registered for Adult Basketball League! Men's and a NEW Women's league offered!

5 on 5 games are played on Sundays between 6:00-10:00 PM and Wednesdays 7:00 - 10:00 PM. All players must be at least 17 years of age. Teams are guaranteed 12 games plus single elimination post-season tournament.

League fees include base fee plus $15 for each non-resident player. Prizes will be awarded to league and tournament winners. No games over winter break.

Register your team here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKwHFYRFzlngn7ALFdsUdC1LmnQ2TS69DnKpBRwNt7WJQspA/viewform
Submit Roster Form to Sam Chia, [email protected]:https://www.cityofames.org/files/assets/city/v/1/parks-amp-recreation/documents/adult-recreation/fillable-roster-form.pdf

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
Registration Deadline EXTEDNED: Sunday, Oct. 11
Captain’s Meeting: Wednesday, October 14 - virtual link will be sent out to all registered league captains.
Fees Due: Wednesday, Oct. 21
Season Begins: Sunday, Oct. 25
Post-Season Tournament Begins: Mid-February.

10/10/2026

Trick-or-Treat Night in Ames is moving!

Due to the Iowa State home football game on Saturday, the suggested Trick-or-Treat Night in Ames will be Friday, Oct. 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

As ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and more head out for treats, remember to:
Trick-or-treat with an adult or responsible person.
Carry a flashlight or wear reflective materials.
Slow down and watch carefully for pedestrians.
Keep sidewalks and porches clear of hazards.
Carry a charged cell phone and never trick-or-treat alone.

Have a safe and happy Halloween, Ames!

10/09/2026

10/10/2026 Princess Pool party from 12:00pm-2:00pm at Fitch Indoor Aquatic Center!
Come swim with your favorite princess and/or mermaid with snacks in our party room. The event will take place in all pools except the wellness pool. The slide will be open for this event. Be sure to bring your camera to take pictures of you with your favorite character! Recommended for ages 1-9 years of age.

Registration includes one child with one adult. Additional children require additional registration fee. Preregistration is preferred. Registration will also be available onsite the day of the event.

10/08/2026

https://conta.cc/4i8kRPT

Email from City of Ames Iowa   COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING The public is invited to participate in a tree planting event on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 9 a.m. Interested volunteers should meet at the intersecti

10/07/2026

Ready to deal yourself into some fun?

Ames Parks and Recreation is offering Euchre and Cribbage leagues at Homewood Golf Course this November! Whether you’re a seasoned card player or looking to sharpen your skills, these leagues are a great way to socialize and meet new people.

Euchre
Mondays, Nov. 2-Dec. 7
6-7:30 p.m.
Registration: $36 per individual

Cribbage
Wednesdays, Nov. 4-Dec. 9
10-11:30 a.m. OR 6-7:30 p.m.
Registration: $30

Homewood Golf Course, 401 E. 20th St.

Grab a seat at the table! Register at www.AmesParkRec.org or call 515-239-5350.

10/04/2026

Lend a hand at Ontario Park!

Ames Parks and Recreation is looking for volunteers to help clean up Ontario Park during an upcoming community workday.

Saturday, Oct. 10
9 a.m. to noon
Ontario Park, 5658 Ontario St.

Volunteers will help with projects for a variety of physical fitness levels, including tree trimming, brush clearing, trash pick-up, and fence removal.

What to bring:
• Work gloves
• Loppers
• Pruning saws
• Water bottle

Please leave the chain saws at home.

Participants should enter the park from Ontario Street and will be directed to designated parking when they arrive.

Come spend a Saturday morning outdoors and help Ontario Park to look its best!

Learn more about Ames Parks and Recreation at www.AmesParkRec.org

10/03/2026

Get registered for 5-6 & 3-4 Grade Basketball!

Youth basketball leagues are open to children in four divisions: 3/4 grade girls, 3/4 grade boys, 5/6 grade girls and 5/6grade boys. Ames will participate in the Central Iowa Recreation League. Participants should expect to travel to other communities for some games.

All practices will be held at local elementary schools. All practices will be held between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM on weeknights or on Saturday mornings. A more detailed schedule will be released once registration has closed. Teams may travel to surrounding communities for games occasionally.

Parent coach volunteers are needed for this program; if you are interested, please get in touch with contact Sam Chia at 515-239-5367 or [email protected]. Training and equipment are provided, plus your child’s registration fee will be returned at the end of the season.

BASKETBALL GRADES 5 – 6
Registration Deadline: Monday, October 5
Skills Assessment: Thursday, October 8, 6:30pm at Sawyer Elementary School (4316 Ontario St, Ames, IA 50014)
Coaches Meeting: Week of October 12
Practices: Week of October 19 (coaches will notify their athletes of time and dates)
Games begin: Saturday, October 31

BASKETBALL GRADES 3 - 4
Registration Deadline: Monday, October 12
Skills Assessment: Tuesday, November 3
Coaches Meeting: Week of November 9
Practices: Week of November 16 (coaches will notify their athletes of time and dates)
Games begin: Saturday, December 5

Registration Link:

10/03/2026

Ames Parks and Recreation is inviting volunteers to help clean and maintain Ontario Park and Ada Hayden Heritage Park on two upcoming workday events scheduled for October.

Read more information at:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAAMES/bulletins/42d1b76