Ames Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park invite the community to a dedication ceremony for the addition of a heritage stone at Ada Hayden Heritage Park honoring Dr. Erwin Klaas. The event will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, along the Upland Trail within the park. Attendees can access the trail from the Hyde Avenue parking lot.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park currently has nine heritage stones placed throughout the park recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the conservation of natural resources in Iowa. The Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park, a partner in the management of the park, proposed the addition of a 10th stone to honor Dr. Klaas because of his efforts in getting the park established and his continued effort in renovating the park to its native habitat.

Dr. Klaas’ contributions to conservation in Iowa started in 1975 when he served as Professor of Animal Ecology and leader of the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit at Iowa State University until his retirement in 1999. After retirement, he used his knowledge and connections with Iowa State and the Ames community to organize a sampling of the plants and animals at the abandoned rock quarry on the north side of Ames. With the data, he helped organize the community-wide effort to acquire the quarry as a new, wild park for the City of Ames. His effort culminated in the passage of the bond issue in overwhelming fashion for the City to purchase the land that is now called Ada Hayden Heritage Park. Other significant contributions he has made to the park include organizing a Friends group and acquiring 501c3 non-profit status.

“Dr. Klaas’ contributions to Ada Hayden Heritage Park are remarkable,” said Ames Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham. “His knowledge and passion for conservation has led to what the park is today.”

Due to concerns about COVID-19 transmission, those who attend the dedication ceremony in person are expected to wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least six feet from others at the event. There will be no seating or refreshments. Additionally, the ceremony will be offered virtually for those who want to watch without being physically present. The event will be livestreamed on City of Ames Facebook (@CityOfAmes) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/AmesChannel12)

The Parks and Recreation Department manages 38 parks and offers approximately 180 athletic, aquatic, instructional, and wellness programs. Indoor programs are provided year-round at the Community Center, Ames/ISU Ice Arena, and Municipal Pool.

For more information, visit the Parks and Recreation homepage at www.amesparkrec.org or call the Community Center at 515.239.5350.