STAFF DIRECTORY
Lori Branderhorst – Recreation Services Director: lbrandherhorst@fortdodgeiowa.org
Hannah Angstrom – Recreation Services Assistant Director: hangstrom@fortdodgeiowa.org
Chad Graaf – Grounds Superintendent: cgraaf@fortdodgeiowa.org
Erin Arndt – Program Supervisor: earndt@fortdodgeiowa.org
Alexis Wolfe – Recreation Technician: awolfe@fortdodgeiowa.org
Anne Gleason – Administrative Coordinator: agleason@fortdodgeiowa.org
Jessica Merritt – Parks, Recreation & Forestry Receptionist: jmerritt@fortdodgeiowa.org
Mary Solverson – Foster Grandparents Program Assistant: msolverson@fortdodgeiowa.org
Ron Bygness – Lakeside Maintenance: rbygness@fortdodgeiowa.org
Ryan Zeka – Harlan & Hazel Rogers Sports Turf Technician: rzeka@fortdodgeiowa.org
Tom Miller – Lakeside Sports Turf Technician: tmiller@fortdodgeiowa.org
Kevin Lunn – Parks & Forestry Superintendent: forestry@fortdodgeiowa.org
Aaron Steburg – Public Areas Supervisor: asteburg@fortdodgeiowa.org
Rich Peterson – Technical Operations Lead: rpeterson@fortdodgeiowa.org
Ryan Ziems – Forestry Technician
Aaron Claus – ROW Maintenance
Jason Jones – Parks & Forestry Maintenance
Andrea Richardson – Cemetery Supervisor: arichardson@fortdodgeiowa.org
Matt Lara – Cemetery Maintenance: mlara@fortdodgeiowa.org
Morgan Hansen – Cemetery Maintenance: mhanson@fortdodgeiowa.org
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
Webster County Conservation - 515-576-4258
POLICIES
Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!
Fees
All fees must be paid 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
No cash or check refunds will be issued. Refunds for purchases made with a credit/debit card will be credited back to the same card. All services or merchandise sold by Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation are sold “as-is” without any guarantees. By purchasing, you confirm that you have read and understood the no-cash refund policy. If Parks & Recreation cancels programming or rentals, a full refund will be issued to your Parks & Recreation account or the original credit/debit card. If a customer withdraws from programming or cancels a rental, a refund may be issued to the Parks & Recreation account or the credit/debit card (per the guidelines below), minus a $5 administrative fee. Account credits expire two years from the original purchase date.
Refund/Credit Guidelines for Programming & Rentals
-After the program starts: No credit unless medical documentation is provided.
-7 business days or less before the start or registration deadline: No credit unless medical documentation is provided.
-8 or more business days before the start or registration deadline: Full credit minus a $5 administrative fee.
-Removal from class/activity by staff recommendation: Full credit to the account or credit/debit card.
Photo & Video Release
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 offer Payment Plans for Season Passes to Lakeside Municipal Golf Course & Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center for the 2025 Season! Please stop by or call our Parks & Recreation Office for more details.
Gift Certificates
Stop by 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!
Scholarship Program
Thanks to generous sponsors from Nestlé PURINA, CJ Bio America, Fort Frenzy, 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.
Discrimination Statement
The City of Fort Dodge Recreation Services Division does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, veterans status, marital status, disability (mental or physical), sexual orientation, political affiliation, genetic information (including family medical history), pregnancy, gender identity, military service, reprisal, submission of complaints or any characteristic protected by federal law.
CITIZEN’S CENTRAL
Citizen’s Central is a facility that can host many programs, classes, parties, lunches, and everything in between! Follow the Fort Dodge Parks & Rec Facebook page for special events and their details throughout the year!
User Fee: $50
(valid for 364 days from the date of purchase)
• 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-Friday 9:00am-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
Dining Room Rentals Friday/Saturday/Sunday
• $225 (4 total hours) with kitchen included
• $285 (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
CITIZEN’S CENTRAL
UPCOMING EVENTS
Science Experience Class: $25
Do you have a little one who is 5-7 years old and is interested in science experiments? Sign up and join us on Tuesdays in February and March at Citizen’s Central in person for our science class! Each kiddo will be provided with the supplies needed for each weekly experiment.
Registration Dates: January 3 – February 21
Class Dates: February 25, March 4, 11, 18
Join us and our 15+ vendors for our annual Spring Vendor Show. Explore all the neat things provided to you by those within our community! We provide light refreshments as you walk about. Provided by the numerous vendors are door prize giveaways.
Date: Saturday, March 29
Time: 9am – 3pm
Location: Citizen’s Central
OLESON PARK SPLASHPAD
Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!
Oleson Park Splashpad
Opens May 26 – Memorial Day (weather permitting)
Normal Hours
Monday-Wednesday, Friday-Saturday: 11:00am-8:00pm
Thursday & Sunday: 11:00am-6:00pm
Rent the Splashpad for a private party!
Thursday: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Saturdays: 9:00am-11:00am
Sundays: 6:00pm-8:00pm
$70.00
*Add a rain date to your splashpad rental for $30 non-refundable to reserve a second date in case of weather
Splashpad Rules
• Swimsuits are required for play.
• Keep pets outside of fenced in area.
• This is a smoke-free environment.
• Parents & adults please help enforce our Safe Play rules.
• No gum.
• Bicycles must remain outside of the fenced area.
• Plastic Containers only!
Check Facebook (Fort Dodge Parks & Rec) for weather closure information! Scan for Oleson Park Splashpad Rental
ROSEDALE RAPIDS AQUATIC CENTER
Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!
1111 North 32nd Street • 515-955-4284 • www.rosedalerapids.org
Opening Day 2025:
May 26–Memorial Day (Weather permitting)
2025 Season Pass Fees
Individual 12+
$80
Individual 5-11 Year Olds ........................... $40
Aquacise Add-On ......................................... $50
*Must be purchased with an Individual 12+ Pass*
2025 Daily Admission Fees
Open Swim (5 & older)...................................$8
Open Swim (4 & under) ............................ FREE
Fitness Daily.......................................................$5
Aquacise 10 Punch Card ............................ $50
Aquacise Daily ..................................................$5
Family Swim ...................................... $4/person
Tot Spot ........................................... $4/guardian
2025 Rentals - call to inquire
Cabana Shade Rental .................................. $35
Payment Plans
We are offering payment plans customized to you this year! Call our office to discuss your options, all fees must be paid by May 15, 2025.
2025 Swim Lessons
Get ready to dive into 2025 at Rosedale Rapids! Stay tuned to our Facebook page and promotional emails for the upcoming dates and details on Summer Swimming Lessons. We have different levels for beginners, stroke improvers, or those swimming with confidence to fit your child’s needs. Don’t miss out on a chance to swim with us this summer! For questions pertaining to what level your child would need please get in touch with us at parks@fortdodgeiowa.org.
OPEN SWIM
FACILITY HOURS
Monday-Friday 1:00pm-5:30pm Saturday/Sunday 1:00pm-6:30pm
FAMILY SWIM
Thursday 5:30pm-7:30pm
FITNESS SWIM
Monday-Saturday 9:30am-12:00pm
Monday/Wednesday 5:30pm-8:00pm
Tuesday/Friday 5:30pm-6:30pm Thursday 7:30pm-8:30pm
TOT SPOT
Saturdays: 10:00am-12:00pm
*Rec pool only, Kids 5 & under with a guardian*
Home of Dodger Softball, Gael Softball/Baseball, and Iowa Central Baseball and Softball. Host of Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Softball Championships since 1970
Harlan & Hazel Rogers Sports Complex & its staff are proud to serve:
• Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Softball
• Fort Dodge Senior High Softball
• St. Edmond Catholic School Softball & Baseball
• Iowa Central Community College Softball
• Iowa Central Community College Baseball
• Fort Dodge Adult Softball Association
• Fort Dodge Soccer Association
Amenities of the 100 Acre Complex Include:
• 11 Softball/Baseball Fields total
• 2 of the 11 are Turf Fields
• Diamond 3: Baseball
• Yankee: Softball
• 13 Soccer Fields
• 4 Permanent Concession Stands
• 4 State of the Art Restroom Facilities
• 600+ Capacity Asphalt Parking Lot
• 2 Touchless Water Fountains
• Hall of Fame Ticket Booth
• Boulevard of Champions Entrance
• 3 Batting Cages
2025 Rogers Sports Complex Calendar of Major Events
Date Event
May 3rd & 4th FDBA One Day Classic
May 10th & 11th FDBA Taco Tico Throwdown
June 12th-14th ICCC HS Baseball Showcase
June 20th & 21st FDSH Invite
June 28th St. Edmond Softball Tournament
July 21st-25th Iowa High School Girls State Softball
*This calendar does not include High School, Rec League or Slow Pitch Softball games, or practices*
Field Reservations
For questions regarding the complex or to reserve fields for your next tournament, game, or practice, contact the Recreation Services office at 515-576-7237 or by email, parks@fortdodgeiowa.org.
Field Dimensions
SOUTH COMPLEX
NORTH
MINI MAJORS
Tee Time Information
Open Golf is Monday-Friday, and tee times are required on Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays.
Passholders can book 72 hours in advance, Public can book 48 hours in advance
2025 Lakeside Tournament Schedule
4-Man 8-Inch Best Shot
Travis J. Habhab Amature
4-Gal Best Shot
Fort Dodge Ford Toyota
Webster County Golf Tournament July 12th & 13th
Course Improvement
Free Cart Fee with Purchase of Green Fee Not valid for tournaments, outings, or leagues. Expires: May 24, 2025
PARKS & FORESTRY
Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!
We have over 300 acres of City Parks available in Fort Dodge, these are just a few of our bigger parks with more amenities. Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks to see all of our parks.
Hawley-Lions Park 8th Avenue North & 2nd Street
Amenities: playground, open shelter, basketball court, baseball/softball field, and open green space
Kennedy Brown 26th Avenue North & 14th Street
Amenities: playground, open shelter, basketball court, and open green space
Leif Erickson Park Avenue F & E Street
Amenities: playground, open shelter, and open green space
H.C. Meriwether Park 10th Avenue SW & 10th Street
Amenities: playground, open shelter, and basketball courts
Phinney Park 2nd Street NW & Amvets
Amenities: rentable open shelter, trail connectivity, and open green space
Reynolds Park 3rd Avenue North & 17th Street
Amenities: playground, and open green space
Snell Crawford Park 12th Avenue North & Williams Drive
Amenities: playground, rentable cabin & open shelter, trail connectivity, sand volleyball court, disc golf, open green space, and seasonal restroom
Hydro-Electric Park 4th Avenue NW & 1st Street
Amenities: playround, basketball court, sand volleyball court, horseshoe courts, baseball/softball field, open green space, seasonal restroom & rentable cabin
Knollcrest Park 10th Avenue North & 30th Street
Amenities: playground, open shelter, trail connectivity, and open green space
Loomis Park
Hawkeye Avenue & Loomis Park Drive
Amenities: playground, rentable cabin & open shelter, trail connectivity, open green space, and seasonal restroom
Oleson Park
12th Avenue South & 17th Street
Amenities: playground, rentable pavilion & open shelter, splashpad, trail connectivity, open green space, and seasonal restroom
R.D. Mitchell Park
2nd Avenue North & 25th Street
Amenities: playground, open shelter, and open green space
Schmoker Family Park 1112 North 32nd Street
Amenities: playground, rentable open shelter, trail connectivity, exercise equipment, open green space, aquatic center, and seasonal restroom
Sunkissed Meadows Disc Golf
326 11th Avenue North
Amenities: Open green space, trail connectivity & disc golf course
RECREATION SERVICE
Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!
Season Pass Payment Plans
We are excited to announce that payment plans will be available for 2025 Season Passes to Lakeside Municipal Golf Course and Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center! Starting in December, once Season Passes go on sale, you can visit or contact our Parks & Recreation Office for more details. Take advantage of this convenient option to enjoy all the activities these facilities have to offer in 2025!
Gift Certificates
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Stop by the Parks & Recreation Office to pick up a gift certificate! These versatile certificates can be used for rentals, season passes, daily fees, recreation programs, or concessions. Give the gift of fun and memorable experiences this holiday season!
SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT
Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!
The Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation & Forestry department is hiring for the 2025 Summer season. Pay ranges from $9-$15 an hour depending on the position. All training and certifications needed for each position are offered through the Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation, & Forestry department.
Positions include:
• Aquatic Maintenance (Must be 16 years of age)
• Cashier (Must be 16 years of age)
• Community Recreation Staff (Must be 14 years of age)
• Concession Stand Attendant (Must be 14 years of age)
• Harlan Rogers Maintenance (Must be 16 years of age)
• Lakeside Maintenance (Must be 16 years of age)
• Lakeside Clubhouse (Must be 18 years of age)
• Lifeguards (Must be 15 years of age)
• Park Mowers (Must be 16 years of age)
Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks
The City of Fort Dodge offers a memorial program through the purchase of trees or benches that may be placed within city parks, trail network or city facilities. Your generous gift will benefit our residents as well as the many park users that visit our community.
The tree/bench memorial package includes the tree or bench, a temporary plaque and installation & protection.
If interested in other memorials we welcome discussion on other options. Examples are playgrounds, bottle filling stations, park amenities such as doggie stations, park benches, swings, grills, picnic tables, exercise stations, etc. the list is endless. We can work to find something that fits your needs and budget.
PARK CABIN RENTALS
Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!
Park Cabin Rentals
Locations: Loomis Park, Snell Crawford Park, & Hydro-Electric
Rental Availability: Mid-April to Mid-October
Rental Fee: $85/day
Damage/Key Deposit: $100 (cash or check)
Cabin Reservations
*Reservations can be made up to 1 year in advance*
1. Online: www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks
2. In-Person: Recreation Services Division at Citizen’s Central
• Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
• 617 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
3. Over the Phone: 515-576-7237
- Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
We do not manage all enclosed shelters around the Fort Dodge area.
Bob Heun Shelter (Kennedy Park), please call 515-576-4258. Izaak Walton “Lion’s Den” Shelter, please call 515-570-8151. Dolliver State Park, please call 515-359-2539
Scan for Cabin or Shelter Reservations
Snell Crawford Shelter
Loomis Park Shelter
Hydro-Electric Shelter
PARK OPEN SHELTER RENTALS
Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!
Open Shelter Rentals
Locations: Oleson Park, Phinney Park, Snell Crawford Park, & Schmoker Family Park
Rental Availability: Mid-April to Mid-October
Price: $35/Day (all-day rental of 7am-10pm)
*When these are not rented, they are on a first come first-serve basis*
Shelter Reservations
*Reservations can be made up to 1 year in advance*
1. Online: www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks
2. In-Person: Recreation Services Division at Citizen’s Central
- Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm - 617 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
3. Over the Phone: 515-576-7237
- Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Oleson Park Open Shelter
Phinney Park Open Shelter
Schmoker Family Park
Snell Crawford Park Shelter
PARK CABIN RENTALS
Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!
Oleson Park Pavilion
Donna Jean Monkelien Pavillon
The newest enclosed shelter is located at Oleson Park. Allowed for 60-75 capacity with 4 – 8ft. square folding tables and 8 – 5ft. round tables. The Shelter also has a kitchenette with both a refrigerator & microwave, serving area, heat & air conditioner, handicap accessible bathrooms, and an outside patio area with a grill!
Location: Oleson Park
Date: Year-round enclosed cabin
Price: Friday-Sunday & Holidays $285/day
Price: Monday-Thursday $160/day
Damage/Key Deposit: $285 (cash or check)
Oleson Park Pavilion Reservations
*Reservations can be made up to 1 year in advance*
1. Online: www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks
2. In-Person: Recreation Services Division at Citizen’s Central - Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm - 617 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
3. Over the Phone: 515-576-7237
- Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!
The Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation, & Forestry department is the caretaker of the grounds and curator of the records for both Memorial Park Cemetery & Oakland Cemetery. For burial requests or information on burial records please call the Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation office at 515-576-7237 ext. 1217.
Fort Dodge Memorial Park Cemetery
3242 5th Avenue South Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
Oakland Cemetery
1617 North 15th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
North Lawn Cemetery
2201 North 15th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
To view cemetery maps, rules, prices, or search for a loved one, visit our website at www. fortdodgeiowa.org/cemeteries.
