Ankeny is one of the fastest growing cities in Iowa. The city continues to experience unprecedented growth and is expected to maintain that growth for many years to come. In response to overcrowding at pools, population growth, and community feedback, the city council has approved the Prairie Trail Aquatic Center Development Plan which:
- Designate Prairie Trail as the location for a second aquatic facility.
- Accept the Park Board and Aquatic Committee Aquatic Findings and Recommendations presented in April 2008.
- Approve aquatic center layout presented on April 14, 2008
- Agree to accept the donation of a 10 acre site from DRA Properties in Prairie Trail.
- Authorize the City Manager to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with DRA Properties, memorializing these commitments.
- Authorize the City Manager to negotiate a design contract for the new aquatic center with Water's Edge Aquatic Design.
- Authorize the City Manager to complete all procedural steps required to submit to the City Council requests for action necessary to complete the new aquatic center by June 2010.
If you have a question about this issue, email Todd Redenius or call 515-963-3571.
2005 Survey Findings
- Aquatics a top 3 priority of Ankeny residents
- New aquatic facility identified as #1 priority of Ankeny youth
2006 Ankeny Parks & Recreation Survey (400 Ankeny residents participated)
- Low satisfaction with current pool (less then 30% satisfaction)
- Overcrowded and long lines
- Lacking amenities
- Not age appropriate
- Ankeny Parks and Recreation "Top Priority" - as determined by survey respondents
- Aquatics - 29%
- Trail Construction - 29%
- Park Development - 23%
- Community/Recreation Center - 9%
- Dog Park - 7%
- 83% of survey respondents said a second aquatic facility was needed while 17% said not needed.
2007 Ankeny Parks & Facilities Comprehensive Plan - Aquatics
Overcrowding at the outdoor pool is at the critical stage. This condition was confirmed at every phase of work for this report. Comments from citizens at public meetings, elected officials, City staff members, pool staff members, and focus group meetings all indicate that additional aquatic facilities and features are needed.
View the Aquatics section
View the Aquatic Planning Powerpoint Presentation (12MB)
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Ankeny Vision 2022
Ankeny 2022 has a small hometown feel
and great community spirit. Ankeny residents enjoy a safe community, an active lifestyle,
easy movement and access to the area.
Ankeny is an environmentally sensitive and sustainable city with a vibrant town center and is a regional business center.
City Council Related Goals:
- Financially sound city providing valued services (Aquatic Center)
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Growth in Ankeny
Based on the data below, it is apparent that the current pool is not providing adequate water surface area for the Ankeny population.
| Year |
Population |
pool size |
| Current |
36,161 |
12,934 sq ft |
| Lap/diving pool |
7,200 sq ft |
| Recreation pool |
7,200 sq ft |
| Lazy river/plunge pool |
8,100 sq ft |
| Total proposed pool |
22,500 sq ft |
| Total proposed water |
35,434 sq ft |
| 2020 |
55,000 |
38,500 sq ft |
Financing & Cost Analysis
The City is considering approximately a $12 million bond referendum to support the construction of a new aquatic center and improvements to the existing aquatic center. Preliminary analysis indicates that revenue from the two facilities will continue to support operations and maintenance. Residents who are eligible (at least 18 yrs. of age and a registered voter), can vote in favor or against.
New Exhibits
May 16, 2008:
Previous Council Action(s)
- August 4, 2008 - Council adopted Resolution 286, authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Ankeny and DRA Properties, for the design, plan and development of an aquatic center in the Prairie Trail development. The Memorandum sets aside a maximum amount of $10 million from the Civic Trust Fund for the aquatic center.
- August 4, 2008 - Council adopted Resolution 2008-288, authorizing the Mayor to execute an amendment to the Civic Trust Fund Escrow Agreement with DRA Properties,
Negotiate design contract for the new aquatic center and enhancements to the Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center with Water's Edge Aquatic Design.
- Negotiated a design contract for enhancements to the Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center with Water's Edge Design.
- 2006 Parks & Recreation Survey
- 2007 Parks & Facilities Comprehensive Plan
- 2007 Aquatic Steering Committee
- The city council received and filed the Aquatic Center Facilities Report at the April 21 council meeting.
- The city council discussed funding options for a second aquatic facility at a work session Monday, May 12, beginning at 5 p.m., in the city hall council chambers.
- At the May 19, 2008 council meeting, the city council approved the extension of the Civic Trust Fund with DRA Properties, LLC; approved the Prairie Trail Aquatic Center Development Plan and authorized the reservation of $10 million to finance construction of a new aquatic center in Prairie Trail.
Ankeny Aquatic Steering Committee
Fred Scherle, Chair
Megan Murphy
Jodi Larson
Laura Arneson
Annette Vance
Kerri Alleman
Todd Seaman, Parks board