Donald and Ruth Furman, a couple who have lived in Ames for nearly 50 years, have recently announced their decision to donate $2 million to the aquatic center project.

“We consider Ames a nice town to live in, a nice place to do business,” said Donald, who owns a home-building business in Ames.

The Furmans wrote in a letter to Mayor Ann Campbell that their positive experience in Ames has influenced their decision to give to the aquatic center.

“We hope this gift will help future generations enjoy Ames as much as we have,” the letter said.

The original plan proposed by the Parks and Recreation Commission called for a 25-meter-long pool, with another 25 meters to be added on at a later time.

If the bond issue passes on July 24, the Furmans wish their gift to be split in half, in which $1 million would go toward initially building the facility at the 50-meter length.

The other half of the gift would go to an endowment fund for the facility, used to reduce the operational costs as well as to fund any enhancements that may be desired in the future.

Because of the large size of the donation, a recommendation to name the aquatic center after the Furmans will be made at the upcoming City Council meeting on June 12.

The Furmans said that while they haven’t given much thought to the recommendation, they do appreciate the gesture.

“I think we’re pleased that the city recognizes us as substantial members of the community and anxious to help,” Ruth said.

The Furmans have been involved in other ways in the community, giving financially to athletic programs and being involved in their church, Bethesda Lutheran, 1517 Northwestern Ave.

“We quietly try to support the good things that come along,” Ruth said.

Ruth said she and her husband hope this contribution to the aquatic center will encourage Ames citizens to vote in favor of it in July, and hopes students will take part in that vote.

Campbell said she was “thrilled” when she heard from the Furmans that they wanted to donate to the aquatic center.

Campbell said the gift is the first of its size the city has seen.

“We indeed have had other contributions in the park system and in the library, but certainly not to this proportion,” she said.

She said she was not only thrilled at the size of the donation, but also at the couple’s idea to set aside half of the money for an endowment fund.

“That was just a remarkably foresighted thought on their part,” she said.

Ted Tedesco, co-chairman of the group Step up and Dive in, which supports the building of the facility, said he was also very excited when he heard of the Furmans’ wish to donate to the center.

“I think it will encourage the voters of Ames on July 24 to pass the bond issue,” Tedesco said.

Tedesco also applauded the Furmans for their generosity.

“I think the Furmans, in giving that gift, show their long-term commitment to the community, plus their unselfishness in sharing their good fortune with the people of Ames,” Tedesco said.