Ames in Focus: Taking the Plunge with Courtney Kort

Summer may be winding down, but swimming in Ames certainly isn’t.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Ames Parks and Recreation's Recreation Superintendent Courtney Kort to talk about the changing of the seasons for Ames aquatics. Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, marks the final day of the season at Furman Aquatic Center, followed immediately by the start of regular seasonal operations at the new Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Courtney takes us on a tour of the new facility and the many ways it was designed to serve swimmers of different ages, interests, and abilities. From the six-lane lap pool and wellness pool to the current channel, zero-depth entry splash pool, body slide, walking area, and community spaces, there’s much more to Fitch than just a place to swim.

They also discuss what residents should know about admission, passes, schedules and programming, along with the community support that helped make the approximately $28 million facility possible and plans to celebrate with an upcoming ribbon cutting and grand opening.

In this episode:

Getting to know Recreation Superintendent Courtney Kort

Wrapping up the 2026 season at Furman Aquatic Center

What changes when Fitch begins its regular indoor season Sept. 8

Exploring the pools, current channel, body slide and other amenities at Fitch

Opportunities for lap swimming, water walking, lessons and fitness

The free indoor walking area

Admission options and aquatics passes