City of Ames’ Podcasts

One More Time Down the Slide with Keith Abraham

The City of Ames is getting ready to open the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, and it is safe to say this is the kind of place kids will never want to leave. In this episode, Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham joins host Bill Gebhart to share what residents can expect, from pools and programs to year-round recreation opportunities. With an anticipated opening in April 2026, the facility is designed to serve swimmers of all ages, from early morning lap swimmers to kids who keep asking for just one more trip down the slide.
What You’ll Learn
What the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is and how it fits into Ames’ parks and recreation system
Key features of the facility, including lap, recreation, and wellness pools, plus a water slide
Additional amenities like multipurpose spaces, walking areas, and classrooms
Programming options for all ages, including open swim, lap swim, aqua fitness, and adaptive programs
Fitness offerings such as group classes and specialty programs
Admission options, including daily rates and membership passes
How the new indoor center will complement the seasonal Furman Aquatic Center
Accessibility features designed to welcome all users
Opportunities for rentals, parties, and special events
Key Highlights
Opening timeline: Anticipated April 2026
Year-round access to aquatic recreation and fitness
Flexible programming for families, individuals, and groups
Designed to complement the Furman Aquatic Center during summer months
Memorable Moments
Keith shares his path into parks and recreation and what brought him to Ames
A preview of the facility’s features and how they will serve the community
Reflections on what he is most excited for residents to experience
Rapid-fire answers on favorite swim times and unexpected aquatic favorites
Learn More
For updates on amenities, programming, and passes, visit:www.CityofAmes.org/Aquatics
Closing Thought
The Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center is built for everyday moments, whether that is a quick swim, a fitness class, or a kid asking for one more turn down the slide. It is a space designed to bring people together all year long.

From Agenda to Action: What Happened at the Ames City Council March 24 Meeting

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Ames Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, March 24 Ames City Council meeting.
Their conversation highlights several important topics that impact City operations, community services, and future planning efforts. Susan and Mayor Haila break down what was discussed, why it matters, and how these decisions connect to the day to day lives of Ames residents.
In this episode, we discuss:
• The job description and recruitment process for Ames’ next City Attorney• Updates and actions related to Parks and Recreation projects and services• The value of resident feedback and how it helps shape Council decisions• The award of contracts for the new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus
From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real world impacts across Ames.
Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.
Get involved:
Watch meetings live or on demand on the City’s YouTubeView agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil
Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode?Email eric.gebhart@CityofAmes.org
From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Ames in Focus: From Ideas to Impact with Vanessa Baker-Latimer

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer to talk about two important federal funding programs that support housing and neighborhood development in Ames: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME.
They break down what these programs are, how they’re funded, and the types of local projects they support, from housing rehabilitation to community services. The conversation also highlights the importance of public input and how residents can help shape funding decisions at the upcoming public forums.
Whether you're a resident, part of a local organization, or just curious how these decisions get made, this episode offers a clear and approachable look at how these programs impact Ames.
🔑 Episode Highlights
What CDBG and HOME funding programs are and how they work
How federal funding from HUD supports local housing initiatives
Examples of projects funded in Ames, including housing rehabilitation and community services
Why public input is a critical part of the funding process
What to expect at the March 25 public forums
How residents and organizations can participate, even if they cannot attend in person
📅 Important Dates
CDBG and HOME Public Forums🗓 Tomorrow, March 25🕚 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.📍 Ames City Hall Council Chambers, 515 Clark Ave
These forums are open to residents, organizations, and anyone interested in learning more or sharing input on how funding should be used.
💡 Why It Matters
CDBG and HOME funding play a key role in maintaining and improving housing options, supporting vulnerable populations, and strengthening neighborhoods. Community input helps ensure these resources are used in ways that reflect local needs and priorities.
🔗 Learn More
Learn more on the City’s website on the Housing page.
🎧 Closing Note
Have ideas about future topics or guests? Let us know. We would love to hear from you as we continue highlighting the people and programs shaping Ames.

From Agenda to Action: Preview of the Ames City Council Meeting for Tuesday, March 24

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.
The Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 24, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave.
A special Ames City Council meeting will be held earlier that evening at 5:15 p.m., providing an opportunity for public input on the proposed 2026–2027 City budget and Tax Levy.
This agenda includes a number of items for Council consideration, and while this episode does not cover every topic, it highlights several discussions that may be of particular interest to residents and the community.
This podcast is designed to help listeners better understand what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to consider, and how those discussions may impact Ames.
In this episode, we discuss:
Key highlights from the March 24 City Council agenda
The purpose and importance of the public input session on the proposed budget and Tax Levy
What selected items mean for residents and the community
How to follow the meeting and stay engaged in local government
Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.
Have a question or topic you would like covered?
Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at eric.gebhart@CityofAmes.org.
Get involved
Watch City Council meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube pageView agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil
Important note
City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording.
From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Live Well, Be Well: The World of Wellness with Nancy Shaw

In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield are joined by Nancy Shaw, Wellness Program Manager for the City of Ames.
Nancy reflects on her journey into the wellness field and the path that eventually led her to the City of Ames. Throughout the conversation, she shares insights from her long career helping people improve their health and well being.
The discussion explores how fitness and wellness trends have evolved over the years, common misconceptions people have about working out, and the many ways that well being can look different for each person. Nancy also talks about how our approach to wellness often changes as we age and why finding balance is an important part of maintaining lifelong health.
As Nancy prepares for her upcoming retirement, the conversation also highlights the impact she has had on wellness programming and the many people she has supported along the way.
Episode Highlights
Nancy’s Path to WellnessNancy shares how she became interested in fitness and wellness and what led her to a career focused on helping others live healthier lives.
How Fitness Has Changed Over the YearsFrom workout trends to changing perspectives on health, Nancy reflects on how the wellness industry has evolved during her career.
Breaking Common Wellness MythsThe conversation addresses misconceptions about exercise and well being, and why wellness is about more than intense workouts or strict routines.
Wellness Through Different Stages of LifeNancy discusses how our needs and goals change as we age and how people can continue prioritizing wellness at every stage of life.
Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?Send suggestions to Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org

Live Well, Be Well: Meet Your Hosts

Wellness can sometimes feel like a buzzword. In reality, it is about the everyday choices, small habits, and community connections that help people live healthier, fuller lives.
In the first episode of Live Well. Be Well., meet your hosts Kacie Schumann, Health Promotion Coordinator for the City of Ames, and Bailey Dingfield, Health Promotion Intern. They share their backgrounds, what sparked their interest in health and wellness, and why they are passionate about helping people find practical ways to live well.
This new City of Ames podcast focuses on what wellness looks like in real life. Through conversations with local guests, the series will highlight resources available in the community, explore different aspects of well being, and offer simple ideas listeners can try in their own lives.
Whether you are looking for inspiration, practical tips, or ways to connect with wellness resources in Ames, this podcast aims to make wellness feel approachable and achievable.
Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?Send suggestions to Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org.
Episode Highlights
Getting to Know the HostsKacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield introduce themselves and share how their personal and professional journeys led them to focus on health promotion and community wellness.
What Wellness Really MeansThe conversation explores how wellness goes beyond trends and focuses on everyday habits, supportive communities, and accessible resources.
What to Expect from the PodcastFuture episodes will feature local guests, highlight programs and services available in Ames, and offer ideas listeners can try to support their own well being.

Ames in Focus: Planting Possibility with Megan Klein-Hewett

Spring is on the way, and the Ames Public Library is helping the community get growing. In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart talks with Megan Klein-Hewett, Adult Services Manager at the Ames Public Library, about the Seed Library program.
Megan explains how residents can “check out” seeds, grow them at home, and return seeds from their harvest if possible to help keep the program thriving.
The conversation explores how the Seed Library supports food access, sustainability, lifelong learning, and community connection.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or someone planting your first herb in a container on the patio, the Seed Library offers a welcoming way to try something new this spring.
Episode Highlights
🌱 What Is a Seed Library?Instead of books, visitors can take home packets of seeds such as vegetables, herbs, flowers, and pollinator friendly plants to grow in their own gardens.
🌼 Accessible Gardening for EveryoneThe program is designed for all experience levels. Even beginners or people with limited space can participate through container gardening.
🌎 Why the Library Started the ProgramThe Seed Library supports sustainability, food access, and hands on learning while building community connections.
🌿 What You Can GrowAvailable seeds may include vegetables, herbs, native plants, and flowers that support pollinators.
📚 How to ParticipateStop by the Ames Public Library, browse the Seed Library, and take a few seed packets home to plant. If your plants produce seeds later in the season, you can save and return some to help the program continue.
🤝 Community InvolvementResidents can contribute by donating seeds, volunteering with sorting and organizing, or sharing their gardening successes with the community.
Spring Gardening Tips
Start simple. Herbs and easy vegetables are great first plants.
Container gardening is a good option if you do not have yard space.
Spring is the perfect time to experiment and learn as you grow.
Visit the Ames Public Library to explore the Seed Library and find upcoming spring programs, including gardening workshops and other seasonal events.
If you have been thinking about starting a garden, or simply want an excuse to get outside and try something new, the Seed Library offers a simple place to begin. A few seeds, a little soil, and a bit of curiosity can go a long way.

From Agenda to Action: What Happened at the Ames City Council March 10 Meeting

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda is joined by Ames Mayor Pro Tem Anita Rollins to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, March 10 Ames City Council meeting. Mayor John Haila was out of town for the meeting, so Mayor Pro Tem Rollins stepped in to help walk through the evening’s agenda.
Their conversation highlights several policy discussions, contracts, and funding decisions that will shape projects and services across the community. Susan and Mayor Pro Tem Rollins discuss what Council considered, why these items matter, and what residents can expect moving forward.
In this episode, we discuss:
• The process to recruit and hire Ames’ next City Attorney.• A proposed letter from the City to state legislators regarding issues affecting local government.• Council approval of a contract for the new curbside recycling program and what it means for Ames residents.• Funding for local climate action grants that support sustainability initiatives in the community.• Allocation of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funding to support housing and community development projects.• The bids received for construction work related to the Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C) project.• A rezoning discussion involving the Ames Community School District and how the change supports future district plans.
From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real world impacts across Ames.
Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.
Get involved:
Watch meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTubeView agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil
Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode?Email eric.gebhart@CityofAmes.org
From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.