Facilities & Equipment Rentals

Facilities

Story County Conservation offers rental facilities at Dakins Lake, McFarland Park, and Hickory Grove Park. To schedule a reservation, contact the administrative office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) at (515)-232-2516 or by email.

Rental Facilities at Dakins Lake

Rental Facilities at Hickory Grove

Rental Facilities at McFarland Park 

Special Events Permit

Persons or groups hosting an event in a county park and meeting either of the following criteria must apply for a special events permit:

- Any event or gathering charging admission or charging for services regardless of the number of people

- Any event or gathering not sponsored by numbering two-hundred and fifty (250) people or more.

To inquire about a permit, email Story County Conservation or call (515)-232-2516.

Equipment

IRVM

The IRVM department has equipment available to assist with every aspect of native prairie establishment and management; from the back yard to the back forty. If you are interested in renting one of the following pieces of equipment, please contact the IRVM office at 515-382-7367.

  • 6 foot, 8 foot and 10 foot native grass/forb seed drills
  • 3-point broadcast seeder
  • Cultipackers
  • DiskHand-held seeder
  • Spike-tooth harrow

Canoes and Pedalboats

Canoe and pedal boats are available for use on the lake at Hickory Grove Park for $5/half hour. They may be rented from the concession stand near the beach on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, noon to 8:00 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Free-Loan Casting Rods and Reels

  • 40 free-loan casting rods and reels are available to use for a fishing field trip, teach casting, or practice for the Fish Iowa! casting contest. Contact the Environmental Education Coordinator for availability.
  • 10 free-loan fly fishing rods and reels are available to use for a fishing field trip or to teach casting. Contact the Environmental Education Coordinator for availability.

Snowshoes

Snowshoes may be checked out Monday-Friday at the Story County Conservation Center (56461 180th St., Ames) when there is at least 4 inches of snow on the ground. We have adult and youth sizes. Rent for half a day for $5. (Weekend rental is Friday to Monday for four half-day charges and must be returned by noon on Monday)

Power Driven Scooters

Two scooters were donated by the Ames Town and Country Kiwanis for use at McFarland Park (56461 180th St., Ames). Scooters can be checked out free of charge from 8:30am-3:00pm, Monday through Friday.