If all goes according to plan, there will be a brand-new Ames aquatic center in summer 2009, thanks to a citywide vote. The Ames aquatic center, which is planned to be located on 13th Street, was approved July 24 by a majority of 76 percent to 24 percent.

Approximately 13 percent of registered voters in Ames showed up to the polls, according to the special election results.

“That’s our highest turnout in a special election ever,” said Nancy Carroll, director of Ames Parks and Recreation.

Carroll said she had had no idea if it was going to pass or not, but is happy to see the people of Ames excited about the aquatic center.

“I thought it was awesome,” Carroll said.

Bob Kindred, assistant city manager, said he is thrilled with how the vote turned out.

“It’s great such a large group came together for a positive step forward,” Kindred said. “It says a lot about our ability to come together.”

Martha Stewart, of Ames, said she voted for the aquatic center.

“I think it’s time for Ames to have something a little more upscale,” Stewart said.

However, Stewart said she would hate to see Carr Pool, 1610 Meadowlane Ave., leave.

“Honestly, what I’d really like to see is that once the aquatic center gets going, [the city] keeps Carr Pool open to see if people are still using it,” Stewart said.

Stewart said she thought Carr Pool was a nice small pool, which would be a good alternative to the new aquatic center, which could be big and noisy.

Carr Pool would not comment on the new aquatic center.

Susan Anderson, of Ames, said she also supported the new aquatic center.

“Swimming is something we do all year-round,” Anderson said.

The current pool isn’t lacking anything, Anderson said. The new one would just give more people varied access to summer fun.

Karen Paxton, of Ames, said she was ecstatic when the new aquatic center passed.

“My daughter, Caroline, wished the pool would pass for her birthday today,” Paxton said.

Paxton said the $2 million donation by a local Ames couple, Don and Ruth Furman, has helped the most. Half the money will go to building the 50-meter pool and the rest will be placed in an endowment fund to cover operational costs.

She said the project will cost Ames taxpayers less money because it was approved now, instead of during the school year.

The location is great and it can be reached by many modes of transportation, Paxton said. The pool will be more accessible to the community and help bring in businesses on Lincoln Way, she said.

“I think it is important to the city in a lot of ways,” Paxton said.

The new aquatic center will also bring in children from the surrounding area and keep children in Ames from going elsewhere to enjoy their summer, Paxton said. The location was also good because it invests in the middle of the city, where support has been lacking, she said.

The pool will help tie the community together, Paxton said. Shade and a lazy river will cater to people who choose not to swim. The lazy river also can be used for resistance walking, she said.

Paxton said she thought the people who planned the design did a good job at offering something for every age group.