Fort Dodge Parks and Rec Fall/Winter Guide

Staff Directory

www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks

Lori Branderhorst – Parks, Recreation & Forestry Director: lbrandherhorst@fortdodgeiowa.org

Kevin Lunn – Parks & Forestry Superintendent: forestry@fortdodgeiowa.org

Chad Graaf – Grounds Superintendent: cgraaf@fortdodgeiowa.org

Hannah Angstrom – Recreation Superintendent: hangstrom@fortdodgeiowa.org

Erin Arndt – Program Supervisor: earndt@fortdodgeiowa.org

Alec Schanz – Aquatics & Program Supervisor: aschantz@fortdodgeiowa.org

Alexis Wolfe – Recreation Technician II: awolfe@fortdodgeiowa.org

Andrea Richardson – Administrative Coordinator: arichardson@fortdodgeiowa.org

Jessica Merritt – Parks, Recreation & Forestry Secretary: jmerritt@fortdodgeiowa.org

Mary Solverson –Foster Grandparents Program Director: msolverson@fortdodgeiowa.org

Ron Bygness – Lakeside Maintenance: rbygness@fortdodgeiowa.org

Ryan Zeka – Harlan & Hazel Rogers Grounds: rzeka@fortdodgeiowa.org

Rich Peterson – Parks & Forestry Operations Supervisor

Aaron Steburg – City Forester

Ryan Ziems – Forestry Technician

Aaron Claus – ROW Maintenance

Kim Leadly – Parks & Forestry Maintenance

Matt Lara – Parks & Forestry Maintenance

Important Contact Information

Parks, Recreation & Forestry – 515-576-7237

Foster Grandparents – 515-576-5401

Lakeside Golf Course – 515-576-6741

Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center – 515-955-4284

Fort Dodge Soccer Association – fdsoccer.org

The REC (Former YMCA) – 515-573-7107

Facebook

Fort Dodge Parks & Rec

Fort Dodge Foster Grandparents

Harlan Rogers Sports Complex Lakeside Golf Course

Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center @fortdodgeparks1

Policies

FEES

All fees must be paid for at the time of registration. Fees due may be paid by cash, check, debit, or credit card. Checks should be made payable to “Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation.” Please note fees and program dates are subject to change.

REFUND/CREDIT POLICY

There will be no cash refund for any reason. Account credit will be applied for a time not exceeding two years from the date of original purchase. All services or merchandise sold by the Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation Department is sold as-is without any guarantee. By making a purchase with the Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation Department, you are confirming that you have read and understood our no cash refund policy. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to remember the dates of programs their child is registered for; credits will not be issued for missed participation.

REFUNDS/CREDIT FOR ACTIVITES & CABIN RENTALS

- After the program starts: no credit on the account unless medical with documentation

- 7 business days prior to start: 50% credit on the account

- Before 7 business days: Full credit on account

- Transferring between classes or sessions: No penalty

- Removal from class/activity by staff recommendation: Full credit on account

WEATHER CANCELLATIONS

Programs that are canceled or postponed due to inclement weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control will be announced as soon as possible. Updates will be posted on our Facebook Page, Fort Dodge Parks & Rec if activities are canceled for that day. We will do our best to reschedule programs but cannot guarantee it.

PHOTO & VIDEO RELEASE

On occasion, our staff may take photographs/videos of participants at Parks & Recreation programs, activities, special events & facilities. Any photos/videos of participants may be used for future departmental promotional and marketing materials.

EMAIL/TEXT UPDATES

Call 515-576-7237, to sign up for email/text updates from Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation about programs & facilities.

ACCOUNT TROUBLES

If a participant is outside of the birth date range for a selected activity, you may have trouble completing a registration online. If you cannot remember your login information for ActiveNet, call Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation Department at 515-576-7237 or email parks@fortdodgeiowa.org, and we will unlock/reset your password.

SEASON PASSES – PAYMENT PLAN

We will be offering Payment Plans for Season Passes to Lakeside Municipal Golf Course & Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center for the 2024 Seasons! Stop in or call our Parks & Recreation Office for more details after December 1, 2023.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Stop in at the Parks & Recreation Office for a Gift Certificate for any special occasion. Gift Certificates can be used for rentals, season passes, daily fees, recreation programs, or concessions!

NEW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Thanks to generous sponsors from Baker Electric, Cargill, Fort Dodge Asphalt, & Fort Dodge Fiber we now have a limited scholarship program available to those in need. Inquire with Erin at earndt@fortdodgeiowa.org. Scholarship applications are available on our website www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks.

Recreation Programs Registration Dates

www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks

Adult Leagues REgistration Dates

• Women’s Volleyball League

Youth Leagues

• Youth Padded Flag Football

• Youth Flag Football

• Youth Volleyball

• Basketball 3rd-4th

• Basketball PreK-Kindergarten & 1st-2nd Grades

Special Events/Activities

• Volleyball Skills Camp 1st-2nd Grade

• Fall Direct Sales Vendor Show

• Trick or Treat in Schmoker Family Park

• Business Sign-Up Christmas Tree Walk

• Letters from Santa

• Daddy Daughter Dance

September 18 – October 20

June 2 – August 4

June 2 - August 4

July 7 - September 8

August 21 - October 13

October 16 - December 18

July 7 – September 8

August 7 – November 3

September 18 – October 6

November 1 – December 1

November 1- December 1

November 27- January 26

How to Register

Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often

How to Register for Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation Programs:

1. Online: www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks

American Express, Discover, MasterCard & Visa accepted *convenience charge will apply*

2. Mail or Drop Off: Parks & Recreation Department

Citizen’s Central 617 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm

3. Create an account: www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks or online at www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks

Grade Levels

Register according to the grade level the participant is CURRENTLY enrolled in.

Late Registrations

Registrations after deadline may be accepted only in the instance that there is room on a team. Registering late will include an additional $15 late fee.

Team Formation

Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!

Team Formation Information

• School Teams –

All Fall/Winter/Spring leagues will have school teams to the best of our ability depending on:

› The number of participants registered from each elementary school

› The number of coaches available for each school

› Middle school students (6th grade) will play for the elementary school they attended

› Summer league will be mixed

League Formats Depending on Number of Participants

• Practices & Scheduled Games

› Enough participants registered for each grade

o 36+ participants in fall/winter

o 48+ participants in spring/summer

› Enough volunteer coaches to cover all teams

• Practices & Pick-Up Play

› Not enough participants for scheduled games

o Less than 36 participants in fall/winter

o Less than 48 participants in spring/summer

› Not enough volunteer coaches to accommodate individual teams

› One practice per week

› One “Pick-Up” scrimmage per week

• Skills & Open Gym/Field

› Not enough participants for Pick-Up Play

o Less than 16 participants in fall/winter

o Less than 24 participants in spring/summer

› 4 weeks of skills camps

› 1 open gym/field per day/week

• Anything less than 10 participants we will not offer activities/programs

Youth Leagues

Padded Flag Football (Grades 5th-6th) $65

Let’s not forget about our favorite fall activity! Padded Flag Football is in conjunction with Fort Dodge Football. A program ran by volunteers with the help and guidance of Fort Dodge Football. This is a mixture of tackle and flag football with equipment (provided). *Mouthguard Required*

REGISTRATION: June 2 - August 4

DATES: August - October

TIME: Evening practices and Thursday evening games

LOCATION: Dodger Stadium

Parent Plus Flag Football (PreK-Kindergarten) $40

A flag football game with the coach as the quarterback! Played with a soft football and flags on modified field size. **Mouthguard required** **Jersey Required**

REGISTRATION: June 2 - August 4

DATES: August - September

TIME: Evening practices and Saturday morning games

LOCATION: Harlan Rogers and Dodger Stadium

Youth Flag Football (Grades 1st-4th) $45-$50

Learning the basics of flag football while having fun! Volunteer coach lead. Practices and games on weeknights **Mouthguard required** **Jersey Required**

REGISTRATION: June 2 - August 4

DATES: August - September

TIME: Evening practices and Saturday morning games

LOCATION: Harlan Rogers and Dodger Stadium

1st-4th Flag Football Preseason Clinics (included in registration cost)

DATE: Early August

TIME: TBD

LOCATION: Dodger Stadium

Coaches packet pick up for PreK Parent Plus Flag Football and 1-4th Grade Flag Football

DATE: Thursday, August 10

TIME: 4:00-6:00 PM

LOCATION: Citizen’s Central

Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation Fall & Winter 2023-2024

9 The Messenger www.messengernews.net

Youth Volleyball

Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks

Youth Volleyball (3rd-6th

Grade)

$50

Learning the fundamentals of volleyball and putting skills to use to begin working on a game like play, serving, and hitting over the net! Skills and Scrimmages. *T-shirt included

REGISTRATION: July 7 - September 8

DATES: September - October

TIME: Monday/Thursday evenings

LOCATION: TBD

Volleyball Skills Camps (1st-2nd Grade)

$20

Fundamentals of basic volleyball skills! Join us in learning how to pass, set, and spike! *T-shirt included

REGISTRATION: July 7 – September 8

DATES: September 11, 12, 13

TIME: 5:45 - 6:30pm

LOCATION: TBD

Youth Basketball

PreK-Kindergarten Basketball $35

Our simple, most basic basketball experience for the youngest group of kids. They will learn the basic fundamentals on a modified hoop. They will participate in a skills camp 1-day each week for four weeks.

REGISTRATION: October 16 - December 18

SKILL CAMP DATES: January - February

TIME: Saturday AM

LOCATION: TBD

Recreation Basketball (1st-2nd Grades) $45

The focus of the half-court 3 on 3 Recreation League is the introduction of basketball principles, skill development, physical exercise, to learn and enjoy the sport of basketball. Participants will have 1 weekday practice, and 1 game day (week/weekend TBD).

REGISTRATION: October 16 - December 18

GAME DATES: January & February

TIME: Nights and Weekends

LOCATION: TBD

*All-Inclusive jersey not included but required

Recreation Basketball (3rd-4th Grades) $45

The focus of the full-court 4-on-4 is the introduction of basketball principles, skill development, physical exercise, to learn and enjoy the sport of basketball. This league is open to all 3rd-4th graders who are interested in playing a fun life-long sport. These will be split into boys & girls divisions. Practices will be during the week, and games on Saturday mornings.

REGISTRATION: August 21 - October 13

GAME DATES: November & December

TIME: Saturday Mornings

LOCATION: TBD

Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation Fall & Winter 2023-2024

11 The Messenger www.messengernews.net

Special Events & Activities

Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!

Tumbling & Cheer Class $20

Dance, flip, cheer, and move! Join the FDSH Cheerleaders as they lead this fun class! T-shirt included

DATE: Wednesdays November 1 - December 6

TIME: 5:30 - 6:15pm

LOCATION: Citizen’s Central

Touch A Truck FREE

Come explore and experience all the vehicles/trucks that are within our community!

DATE: Thursday, September 14

TIME: Evening

LOCATION: Harlan Rogers Sports Complex

COST: Free

Trick-or-Treat at Schmoker Family Park FREE

Trick or treat give me all the good snacks to eat! Sign-up your child to trick or treat with local businesses on the Schmoker Family. This event is FREE! So wear your Halloween costume and bring your Trick-or-Treat bag! Pre-registration is required for this event.

REGISTRATION DATES: September 18 - October 6

DATE: Saturday, October 14

TIME: 10am - 11am

LOCATION: Schmoker Family Park

COST: None, however you must pre-register!

Fall Direct Sales Vendor Fair FREE

Join us down at Citizen’s Central this fall for a vendor show with all the homemade goods you can find from right here in Fort Dodge & surrounding areas! This event is free to the public & door prize drawings will be available for those that attend! To become a vendor email Alexis at awolfe@fortdodgeiowa.org & she will provide you with all the necessary information/paperwork. Vendors will be accepted August 7th to November 3rd.

DATE: Saturday, November 18

TIME: 9am - 2pm

Location: Citizen’s Central COST: FREE to Public

Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation Fall & Winter 2023-2024

Pre-Registration Required for Vendors

($30 or $35 – for electrical)

14 The Messenger www.messengernews.net

Special Events & Activities

Visit

Business Sign- Up Christmas Tree Walk $25

Let’s spread some Christmas Cheer! Display your business, local service group, a memory tree, or a fun tree for the public to see. A tradition we started just back in 2021—a huge success of over 400 viewers from the public. Set up times, viewing dates, and other information is available online when registration opens. There will be THREE top trees chosen for a prize drawing!

REGISTRATION: November 1- December 1

TIMES: Viewing Saturday and Sunday evenings & during normal business hours

LOCATION: Citizen’s Central

Letters From Santa $5

Get in the Christmas spirit by signing up your child to receive a letter from Santa in the mail. This letter, written in simple, easy to read language, is a fun surprise for any child. It will come in an envelope with Santa’s name and return address in the corner, addressed directly to your child. A unique idea for all your nieces, nephews, or grandchildren no matter where they live!

DATES: November 1- December 1

LETTERS SENT: Before December 15

Daddy Daughter Dance

This once in a year opportunity allows fathers, grandfathers, or father figures the chance to take their daughters or granddaughters, ages 5-13, out for an evening of fun, food, and dancing! In addition to dancing there will be door prizes, refreshments, and munchies. A professional photographer will be available to capture a memorable picture. Preregistration is required and space is LIMITED for the day, so be sure to invite that special little girl early. Online registration is available for any number of daughters. A daughter under the age of five but more than three may attend if primary daughter is above the age of five.

DATE: Sunday, February 4th

TIME: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

LOCATION: Fort Frenzy’s Cardiff Center

COST: $45 for one child, $70 for two children, $85 for three children

Donuts with Santa $10

Come visit with Santa and enjoy a donut with him! We will have a picture station, crafts, scavenger hunt, and donuts available that morning! Make sure to tell him all the things you want as Christmas is coming fast!

REGISTRATION: October 27 - December 1

DATE: Saturday, December 9

TIMES: 9:00am -10:00am

LOCATION: Citizen’s Central

Activity Bags

Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!

Halloween Bag $10

Here is a bag full of Halloween fun. It includes your very own trick-or-treat bucket for Halloween, activity sheets, and coloring pages. We always include an activity, snack, and craft!

Age: 2 - 10 years old

Date: October 20

Times: 8:00am - 4:30pm

Location: Citizen’s Central

Registration Deadline: October 13

12 Days of Christmas $25

Countdown to Christmas with 12 family filled fun activities! Spend one on one time with your kiddos by doing a holiday themed activities leading up to Christmas! Each bag will have enough supplies for 2 children. Pre-registration is required! You can pick up your family activity bag at Citizen Central on Friday, December 4th

Age: 2 - 12 years old

Date: December 8

Times: 8:00am - 4:30pm

Location: Citizen’s Central

Registration Deadline: December 3

Adult Leagues

Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!

Women’s Volleyball League $200

Bump, Set, SPIKE! FD Parks and Recreation Women’s Volleyball League has a place for you. We’ve got places for all ability levels with this 2-division league. All players must be at least 18 years old and must register as a team. This is a great opportunity for a night out filled with competition and socializing with your team! Guaranteed 10 games, Prizes awarded to top 2 teams in both leagues. (Prizes only awarded if there are 5 or more teams in the league)

ALL REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ONLINE ONLY! Teams will make ONE payment online with a debit or credit card to sign up NO first night registration will be allowed.

NO REFEREES IN THIS LEAGUE AT ALL - This league will be self-run with an onsite supervisor.

DATES: November - January (Excludes Holiday Weekends)

TIMES: Sunday Nights

LOCATION: St. Edmond Arena

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 20

Citizen’s Central

617 Central Ave • 515-576-7237 option 3 •

earndt@fortdodgeiowa.org

Citizen’s Central is a facility that can host many programs, classes, parties and everything in between!

User Fee Options

User Fee: $50

• General building activities- cards, dominos, bingo, etc.

• Exercise equipment

• Volunteer/movie lead classes

Daily Fee: $5

• General building activities- cards, dominos, bingo, etc.

• Exercise equipment and organized exercise classes

Daily Activities

Video Yoga: We play a yoga instructed DVD for those who wish to come in and do yoga in a group.

Wednesday, Friday 9:00-9:45am

Volunteer lead exercise class: Strength and balance.

Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am-10:00am

Pool Players: Players that have been playing here over the years. We have a pool table and snooker table.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1:00-4:00pm

Open Exercise: We have an exercise room with weights as well as machines that users can come in and use.

Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm

Citizen Central Rentals

Dining Room Rentals                      Friday/Saturday/Sunday ONLY

$215 (4 total hours) with kitchen included

$275 (8 total hours) with kitchen included

Meeting Space  Business Hours

$15/hr.  (minimum of 2 hours)

Meeting Space  Outside Business Hours

$30/hr. (minimum of 2 hours)

Deposits for all

$100 (weekend and outside hours deposit)

$100 alcohol deposit

Parks & Forestry

Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!

Operation Merry Mulch

This service assists residents of Fort Dodge in the proper disposal of their real Christmas Trees (only Christmas Trees accepted). Please be sure all stands, wires, nails, lights & ornaments are removed!

Dates: December 24 - January 28

Location: Oleson Park (by the Operation Merry Mulch sign)

Season Passes – Payment Plan

We will be offering Payment Plans for Season Passes to Lakeside Municipal Golf Course & Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center for the 2024 Seasons! Stop in or call our Parks & Recreation Office for more details starting in December once Season Passes go on sale.

Gift Certificates

Stop in at the Parks & Recreation Office for a Gift Certificate for the Holidays. Gift Certificates can be used for rentals, season passes, daily fees, recreation programs, or concessions!

Cabin & Shelter Rentals

Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!

Cabin Rentals

Reservations can be made up to 1 year in advance for a Cabin in on our parks.

Locations: Loomis Boathouse, Snell-Crawford & Hydro-Electric

Dates: Mid-April – Mid-October

Price: $80/Day

Deposit: $100

Location: Loomis Octagon

Dates: Mid-April – Mid-October

Price: $30/Day

Deposit: $100

O pen Shelter Rentals

Reservations for Open Shelters in our parks can be made up to 1 year in advance. When these are not rented, they are on a first come, first served basis.

Locations: Oleson, Phinney, Snell-Crawford, & Schmoker

Price: $30/Day

Oleson Park Pavilion

Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!

Pavilion Rentals

The newest closed shelter located at Oleson Park. Allows for 60-75 capacity, has a kitchenet with fridge & microwave, serving area, heat/AC, Handicap Accessible Bathroom, outside patio area with grill.

Location: Donna Jean Monkelien Pavilion (Oleson Park)

Date: Year-round cabin

Price: Friday - Sunday $275/day

Price: Monday - Thursday $150/day

Deposit: $275

BY WYNDHAM