The Parks and Recreation Commission is hosting a series of open houses, known as “Commission Coffees,” at the site of the proposed aquatic center in order to educate Ames citizens about the plans for the facility.

“We want everybody to be as knowledgeable as they can on the project,” said Nancy Carroll, director of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

The first open house was held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the 13th Street site, which is located east of Squaw Creek and south of Ames High School, 1921 Ames High Drive.

The next three open houses are scheduled for July 7, July 14, and July 21.

The last “Commission Coffee” falls three days before the special bond issue election on July 24, when Ames residents, including students, can vote on whether or not they want the city to spend money on building the new facility.

People can ask questions of members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, look at conceptual sketches and get an idea of what the layout of the aquatic center will be if the July 24 bond issue passes. Parking is available at the site, and coffee is provided.

“We’d love hundreds of people to come out,” Carroll said.

Plans for the 45-acre site include, in addition to the pool itself, wetlands near key locations such as the parking lot, designed to filter storm water runoff.

Prairie grass and other greenery, including trees and bushes, are to be incorporated around the proposed facility as well.

The facility itself would include a fifty-meter lap pool, a “lazy river” feature with a current, designed to carry people on inner tubes or other floatation devices. The current would be gentle enough, however, to allow people to walk along with it.

A shallow pool would also be included.

“It’s going to be really beautiful,” said Gregory Vitale, member of the Parks and Recreation Commission.