The $15 million price tag on a proposed recreational complex in Ames, along with the features that could be provided, dominated a community workshop on Tuesday night.

The Ames Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking feedback on the proposed Rec Plex, which would include an indoor family aquatic center, three regulation-size gymnasiums and four general use rooms. Feedback is welcomed until Sept. 15, and the Parks and Recreation Commission hopes to present a proposal to the Ames City Council at its Sept. 27 meeting.

Under the current plan, the facility, which would be located on Mortensen Road adjacent to the new Ames Middle School, would be funded through a $10 million bond, which would require 60 percent voter support to pass, and $5 million in private and state money.

“We really do need to address the lack of quality recreation facilities for Ames, Iowa,” said Ames Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Carroll. “What is the package, that’s what we have to figure out.”

Approximately 30 members of the Ames community who attended the meeting had differing opinions on what recreational needs must be met, with much discussion centered around whether the center’s indoor pool will target competitive swimmers and events or families and recreational users.

Ames resident Tom Stark said the indoor pool should serve competitive swimmers, and that a discussed pool targeted at children – with some lap lanes – would not be enough.

Ames resident Joe Merchant said the facility should serve all Ames residents, not just “high-end consumers.”

Merchant said although it is possible to serve both recreational and competitive swimmers, it could drive the price over $15 million, which would prompt questions – including support for other pools and recreation facilities in Ames and the necessity of another facility – similar to the opposition that caused residents to vote against a similar Rec Plex proposal in December 2003.

Ames resident Steve Burgason said he had originally supported a Rec Plex that residents voted against in December 2003, but had changed his mind after seeing the nearly $24 million price tag.

“It was putting a large tax burden on the business community,” he said. “We live in a time when economics is very important.”

He said a facility aimed at competitive events could bring money into Ames. Burgason added as a member of the Ames business community, he sees $15 million as a reasonable price tag.