A small pool located in a quiet Ames neighborhood, Carr Pool, 1610 Meadowlane Ave., is surrounded by towering trees that protect the path to the East River Valley Park, which is accessible from the pool property.

Five large, blue and white umbrellas surround the pool, protecting patrons from the rigorous Iowa summer sun. Children can be seen playing in the wading pool; mothers can be seen toweling off their toddlers.

On the neighborhood street where the pool resides, a sign reads: Bicycle friendly street, please drive with care.

Carr Pool, currently Ames only outdoor aquatic facility, may be in danger of closing.

At a joint meeting between the City Council and the Parks and Recreation committee July 8, the council approved the commission to go ahead with a $22.4 million plan that includes an indoor aquatic facility and an outdoor center with a 50-meter eight lane competitive pool.

Al Oberlander, a consultant for RDG Sports, said Carr Pool would likely close if a new aquatic center is constructed.

Nancy Carroll, Parks and Recreation director, was unavailable for comment.

Mayor Ted Tedesco said Carr Pool could possibly lose business when the new pool opens, which is not projected to happen for at least two years.

“Location in the eastern and northeastern part of town is an advantage to citizens of that side of community because they have a closer place to swim,” Tedesco said. “But after the aquatic center opens, people will want to go there because of the amenities it has that Carr Pool won’t have.”

Maintaining Carr Pool could be very costly, Tedesco said.

“In the coming years, Carr Pool will have to have some major renovations and the city will have to look at the economics,” Tedesco said. “Economically, outdoor pools in Iowa are costly.”

Outdoor pools are only usable during summer months because of Iowa’s climate, Tedesco said. The cost to keep maintenance up on the water, which must be done even during the winter months, is costly, he said.

Nathan Johnston, ex officio student member to the council, said he thinks Carr Pool is worth keeping open if it does not strain the city budget.

“Carr Pool should stay open as long as possible,” Johnston said. “The community has expressed a want to keep Carr Pool around because it meets certain needs for the community.”

The location of Carr Pool allows kids to bike there easily and it is easily accessible to residents on the east side of the city, which the new aquatic center on Mortensen Road would not be, Johnston said.

The new aquatic center is directed at younger people, he added.

“A lot of older residents like to use Car Pool,” Johnston said. “It’s convenient, quiet and there is no problem paying rates.”

Community members spoke out at the joint meeting at the suggestion that Carr Pool be closed.

“I very much like the aesthetics of outdoor swimming,” said Martha Okere, 2721 Luther Drive.

“I would feel very disappointed if there was not a nice, outdoor open pool at an affordable cost,” she said.

Kay Wall, 1004 Kellogg Ave., said she would not vote for a new aquatics center if it meant Carr Pool would close.

Tedesco hopes Carr Pool is not an issue when voters choose whether to go ahead with the new aquatics center.

“I don’t think it’s going to be an issue; hopefully it is not an issue,” Tedesco said. “The aquatics and recreation center needs to stand alone and be judged on that basis.”