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Furman Aquatic Center: Ames' Premier Water Destination

Ames' top spot for summer fun, featuring thrilling slides, a lazy river, and pools for all ages in a sustainable environment.

4.5

The Furman Aquatic Center in Ames, Iowa, is a popular outdoor water park featuring a lazy river, thrilling water slides, and multiple pools for all ages. It's a sustainable and community-focused facility designed to blend into its natural environment near Squaw Creek.

A brief summary to Furman Aquatic Center

  • Monday 11 am-12:30 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-12:30 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-12:30 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-12:30 pm
  • Friday 11 am-12:30 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-12:30 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-12:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the City of Ames website or the Furman Aquatic Center's Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on hours, closures, and special events.
  • Consider purchasing a season pass or punch pass if you plan to visit multiple times.
  • Note that children under 6 must be actively supervised by an adult in the water, and children ages 7-9 must be accompanied by an adult at the facility.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Memorial Union on the Iowa State University campus, walk east on Lincoln Way. Turn right onto Sheldon Avenue, then left onto 13th Street. The Furman Aquatic Center will be on your right. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    CyRide's #8 Aqua route provides service to the Aquatic Center from various points in Ames. Check the CyRide website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From downtown Ames, a taxi or ride-share to the Furman Aquatic Center will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on the company and demand.

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Discover more about Furman Aquatic Center

The Furman Aquatic Center, located in the heart of Ames, Iowa, is a $10 million aquatic facility that opened in 2010. It replaced a smaller community pool built in the 1920s, offering a modern and expansive aquatic experience for residents and visitors. The center was named after Donald and Ruth Furman, who contributed $2 million towards its construction. The aquatic center features a 550-foot lazy river with a waterfall, three large water slides (each over 200 feet long), a 50-meter pool with a 150-foot drop slide, basketball hoops, a 3-meter platform, and a 1-meter springboard. A 5,000-square-foot recreational pool includes a zero-depth entry, spray features, a play structure, and slides for both children and toddlers. The center's design emphasizes sustainability, blending into the natural landscape near Squaw Creek. Only one mature tree was removed during construction, and the landscaping features native Story County plants. Bioswales filter stormwater using recycled crushed glass. The parking lot is designed to flood in extreme events to minimize environmental impact and preserve views. The Furman Aquatic Center offers various programs, including swimming lessons for all ages, water walking, lap swimming, and fitness classes. The facility also hosts special events like pool parties and swim meets.

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