Keith Abraham, Director of Ames Parks and Recreation, was the guest speaker at a recent Ames Golden K Kiwanis Thursday meeting, which continues to be held virtually. Mr. Abraham, a 27-year Parks and Rec veteran, has served as its Director since 2013. Abraham provided a comprehensive overview of the recently completed Ames Miracle League Park, including a visual “walk-thru” of the playground equipment, and details regarding the transfer of ownership from the Ames Foundation to the City of Ames. He stressed that those of all ages and abilities can use the Playground and the Park. Abraham also updated members on projects that are currently planned, in process or completed:
Inis Grove Park–Restrooms are being remodeled and motion sensors installed.–
Bandshell Park–New Lighting–
Brookside Park–New Restrooms–
River Valley Park Low Head Dam Improvements, including a Kayak Path, Fish Paths, Pedestrian Paths and Parking Lots.–
Homewood Park Clubhouse–Demolish and Rebuild–
Sunset Ridge Park {N. of Wilder}–Install Playground–
Establishment of Tahira & Labh Hira Park at the Old Edwards School Site–
Downtown Plaza–Awaiting City Council Approval/Guidance–
Pickleball Courts–Now available at McCarthy Lee Park–
Accessible Kayak/Canoe Launching Area–If fundraising successful, will be installed at Ada Hayden Park.–
Ames Foundation Tree Planting throughout Ames to replace Ash Trees and trees destroyed in the August Derecho–
New Pedestrian Bridge from McCarthy Lee Park to Oakland Street–Nearing completion
Ames Convention and Visitor Bureau
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2020 Board Minutes
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August 2020 Treasurer’s Report
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Minutes, 03.27.20, Executive Committee
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Iowa Turkey Federation
Posted: December 12, 2020 by Joe T Leave a Comment
Gretta Irwin, Executive Director of the Iowa Turkey Federation, recently spoke to Golden K members at their weekly Thursday 9AM “virtual” meeting. Ms. Irwin, who has been with the Turkey Federation for 26 years, shared a number of fascinating insights about the Iowa and U.S.A. Turkey Industry:
Irwin concluded her presentation by noting that the Federation will be publishing a new cookbook in 2021 titled “Everyday Turkey”.
Ames Park & Recreation
Posted: December 12, 2020 by Joe T Leave a Comment
Keith Abraham, Director of Ames Parks and Recreation, was the guest speaker at a recent Ames Golden K Kiwanis Thursday meeting, which continues to be held virtually. Mr. Abraham, a 27-year Parks and Rec veteran, has served as its Director since 2013. Abraham provided a comprehensive overview of the recently completed Ames Miracle League Park, including a visual “walk-thru” of the playground equipment, and details regarding the transfer of ownership from the Ames Foundation to the City of Ames. He stressed that those of all ages and abilities can use the Playground and the Park. Abraham also updated members on projects that are currently planned, in process or completed:
Inis Grove Park–Restrooms are being remodeled and motion sensors installed.–
Bandshell Park–New Lighting–
Brookside Park–New Restrooms–
River Valley Park Low Head Dam Improvements, including a Kayak Path, Fish Paths, Pedestrian Paths and Parking Lots.–
Homewood Park Clubhouse–Demolish and Rebuild–
Sunset Ridge Park {N. of Wilder}–Install Playground–
Establishment of Tahira & Labh Hira Park at the Old Edwards School Site–
Downtown Plaza–Awaiting City Council Approval/Guidance–
Pickleball Courts–Now available at McCarthy Lee Park–
Accessible Kayak/Canoe Launching Area–If fundraising successful, will be installed at Ada Hayden Park.–
Ames Foundation Tree Planting throughout Ames to replace Ash Trees and trees destroyed in the August Derecho–
New Pedestrian Bridge from McCarthy Lee Park to Oakland Street–Nearing completion
Early Ames Transportation
Posted: December 11, 2020 by Joe T Leave a Comment
Former Cy Ride Director Bob Bourne, a well-known expert in Iowa transportation history, spoke recently to a virtual audience of Ames Golden K members and guests. Bob, who is very active in the Ames History Museum, focused his remarks and accompanying photos/maps on the events from the mid 1800’s thru 1907 that shaped the development of rail and bus service within Ames and Central Iowa. This included:
1860’s-1880’s–Horsecar driven street railway conveyances were common in Ames and many Iowa cities.
1888–First electric trolley was introduced in Richmond, Va.; however, no electric plant in Ames until 1896, although ISU conducted a feasibility study for electric trolleys, anticipating electricity coming to Ames.
1891-1907–The Ames and ISU “Dinkey” service from Onondaga {now Main} St. to “The Hub” located on ISU Central Campus was a highly successful venture with well-known Ames citizens as incorporators. Transportation for Ames and ISU residents was very profitable, but with the introduction of the steam locomotive in 1884, materials for Campus construction as well as coal were transported via Dinkey. Rail sizes were small, so walking and bike riding on the Dinkey roadbed was common.
1907- Other more efficient modes of transportation caused the Dinkey to stop operations 9/6/2007. The Dinkey served 2.1million passengers {133,000 yearly average} during its 16-year existence.
Bourne concluded his remarks by briefly reviewing passenger rail transportation milestones occurring from 1907-1925, including the Newton & NW and Electric Interurban Railways, which had a terminal located at Lincoln Way and Grand. After 1925, motorized Bus transportation replaced much of the need for electric railway transportation.
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