Recreation Services & Public Areas Directory
www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks
Lori Branderhorst – Parks, Recreation & Forestry Director: lbrandherhorst@fortdodgeiowa.org
Kevin Lunn – Public Areas Superintendent: kjlunn@fortdodgeiowa.org
Chad Graaf – Grounds Superintendent: cgraaf@fortdodgeiowa.org
Hannah Angstrom – Assistant Director: hangstrom@fortdodgeiowa.org
Erin Arndt – Program Supervisor: earndt@fortdodgeiowa.org
Alexis Wolfe – Recreation Technician II: 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 – Grounds Specialist Lakeside: rbygness@fortdodgeiowa.org
Kari Hubbard – Lakeside Clubhouse Manager: khubbard@fortdodgeiowa.org
Ryan Zeka – Sports Turf Tech Harlan & Hazel Rogers: rzeka@fortdodgeiowa.org
Thomas Miller – Sports Turf Technician Harlan & Hazel Rogers & Lakeside: tmiller@fortdodgeiowa.org
Andrea Richardson – Cemetery Supervisor: arichardson@fortdoodgeiowa.org
Rich Peterson – Technical Operations Lead
Aaron Steburg – Public Areas Supervisor
Ryan Ziems – Forestry Technician
Aaron Claus – ROW Maintenance
Jason Jones – 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
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 medical 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 Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center for the 2024 seasons! Stop in or call our Parks & Recreation Office for more details.
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!
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
Adult Leagues Registration Dates
• Women’s Volleyball League August 30-October 18
Youth Leagues
• Youth Padded Flag Football NOW– August 2
• Youth Flag Football NOW - August 2
• Volleyball Skills Camp 1st-2nd Grade NOW – August 30
• Youth Volleyball NOW - September 8
• Basketball 3-4th NOW- October 11
• Basketball PreK-K Skills Camp NOW- December 27
• Basketball 1-2nd NOW- December 27
Activities
• Business Sign-Up Christmas Tree Walk NOW – November 29
• Letters from Santa NOW- November 29
• Cady Day of Service August 26 – October 25
• Tumbling & Cheer Class September 6- October 18
• 12 Days of Christmas Activity Bag October 21 – December 3
Special Events
• Kids Makers Market July 29 – September 6
• Fall Direct Sales Vendor Show August 12 – October
• Touch a Truck *No Registration Required*
• Halloween Puzzle Palooza September 2 – October 13
• Trick or Treat in Schmoker Harlan Rogers September 16- October 6
• Gingerbread House Class October 19 – December 8
• E-Sports Tournament: Mario Cart November 25 – January 13
• Daddy Daughter Dance December 13 - January 24
How to Register
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
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 Information
• School Teams –
All Fall/Winter 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
Youth Football
Padded Flag Football (Grades 5th-6th) $100
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: NOW - August 2
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** T-Shirt Included
REGISTRATION: NOW - August 2
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: NOW - 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 6
TIME: 8:00-4:30 PM
LOCATION: Citizen’s Central
Youth Volleyball
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: NOW – August 30
DATES: September 10, 11, 12
TIME: 6:45-7:30pm
LOCATION: TBD
Youth Volleyball (3rd-6th Grade)
$45
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: NOW – September 6
DATES: September- October
TIME: Monday/Thursday evenings first two weeks, Thursday evenings last four weeks
LOCATION: TBD
Youth Basketball
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. T-Shirt Included
REGISTRATION:
NOW - October 11
GAME DATES: November & December
TIME: Saturday Mornings
LOCATION: TBD
PreK-Kindergarten Basketball $20
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. T-Shirt Included
REGISTRATION:
NOW - December 27
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). T-Shirt Included
REGISTRATION:
NOW - December 27
GAME DATES: January & February TIME: Nights and Weekends
LOCATION: TBD
*All-Inclusive jersey not included but required
Activities
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: NOW- November 30
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 for 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 on the corner, addressed directly to your child. A unique idea for all your nieces, nephews, or grandchildren no matter where they live!
DATES: NOW- November 30
LETTERS SENT: Before December 17
Cady Day of Service
Donations
The Fort Dodge Recreation Services Division is proud to remember Mark Cady and the services he provided. Mark lived by service to others and how to be an active member of a community. To support his legacy of giving, the Recreation Services Division is hosting a Teacher School Supply Drive. Often time teachers will end up spending money on their own supplies throughout the year. Please check our Facebook page: Fort Dodge Parks & Rec and our website: www.fortdodgeiowa. org/parks for a list of items our teachers need for the upcoming school year.
SUPPLY DRIVE: NOW – October 25
LOCATION: Citizen’s Central
TIME: 8:00am – 4:30pm
OR Oleson Park Pavilion, Friday, October 25 from 8:00am-1:00pm
Tumbling & Cheer Class $20
Dance, flip, cheer, and move! Join the FDSH Cheerleaders as they lead this fun class! T-shirt included
REGISTRATION: September 6- October 18
DATE: Wednesdays November 6-December 4 (excludes Thanksgiving week)
TIME: 5:30-6:15pm
LOCATION: Citizen’s Central
Special Events
Gingerbread House Class
$12
Come see us downtown at the Parks & Recreation offices to show off your building and creative skills! We will provide all the fixings you just have to provide the creativity! Each child in the household will need to register for the event if they are planning on building their own gingerbread house!
Registration Dates: October 19-December 8
Date: Tuesday, December 12
Time: 5:45pm-7:00pm
Location: Citizen’s Central
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
$15
Join us for our E-Sports Nintendo Switch tournament series. Although competitive in nature, this tournament series is meant to be fun for all ages and will no doubt have many levels of skill present. Tournament will be played in teams of 4 and on a point system. The winner will receive a prize!
Mario Kart will be 150cc and easy AI. Smart Steering and Auto Acceleration will be disabled. For rules and set-up questions contact Alexis at awolfe@fortdodgeiowa.org
The tournament is limited to 12 participant per session:
1. 1st – 3rd Grade: 10am-12:30pm
2. 4th – 7th Grade: 12:30pm-3:00pm
Registration Dates: November 25 – January 13
Date: Saturday, January 18
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Citizen’s Central Cost: $15/player
Special Events
Kids Makers Market FREE
Come explore and experience these kids’ creativity in the products they promote! Held at Citizen’s Central, find all handmade and homemade goods from the kids of Fort Dodge and surrounding areas! Shop for items produced by kids (age 17 and under).
Registration Dates: July 29 – September 6
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Citizen’s Central
Cost: Free to Attend
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 16th to October 27th
Registration Deadline: August 12 – October 27
Date: Saturday, November 9
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Location: Citizen’s Central
Cost: FREE to Public, Pre-Registration Required for Vendors ($40 or $45 – for electrical)
Special Events
Touch A Truck FREE
Come explore and experience all the vehicles/trucks that are within our community!
Date: Thursday, September 19
Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Location: Harlan Rogers Sports Complex
Cost: Free
Halloween Puzzle Palooza
$40/team – up to 4 people
Come be a puzzle completing champ in your Halloween costume! In teams of 2-4 will race against each other to finish the same 750-piece Halloween themed jigsaw puzzle. Snacks and beverages are allowed during the event. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes!
Registration Date: September 2 – October 13
Date: Saturday, October 19
Times: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Citizen’s Central
Trunk-or-Treat at Harlan Rogers 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 16- October 6
Date: Saturday, October 12
Time: 10:30am-11:00am
Location: Harlan Rogers Mini Majors Trail
Cost: None, however, you must pre-register!
Daddy Daughter Dance
$45 for 1, $70 for 2, $85 for 3
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 the primary daughter is above the age of five.
Registration Dates: December 13 - January 24
Date: Sunday, February 2nd
Time: 4:00-6:00pm
Location: Fort Frenzy’s Cardiff Center
Cost: $45 for one child, $70 for two children, $85 for three children
Activity Bags
12 Days of Christmas
$25
Countdown to Christmas with 12 family filled fun activities! Spend one on one time with your kiddos by doing 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 Wednesday, December 11th.
Registration Date: October 21 – December 3
Age: 2-12 years old
Date: Wednesday, December 11
Times: 8:00pm-4:30pm
Location: Citizen’s Central
Adult Leagues
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: TBD
Registration Deadline: October 18
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 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: Join us for a yoga-instructed DVD for those who wish to participate in yoga as a group.
Wednesday, Friday 9:00am-9:45am
Volunteer lead exercise class: Enjoy an exercise class led by your peers! It’s a great way opportunity to get out and socialize while working on strength, balance and improving your quality of life.
Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am-10:00am
Pool Players: Experienced or not, come on down to play a game of pool or two. We have both a pool table and a snooker table.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1:00pm-4:00pm
Open Exercise: Come on down to Citizen’s Central on your time during our business hours to get a workout in. Available for use are weights and exercise equipment.
Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm
Citizen’s Central Rentals
Dining Room Rentals
Friday/Saturday/Sunday & Holidays ONLY
•$215 (4 total hours) with kitchen included
•$275 (8 total hours) with kitchen included
* prices subject to changes
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
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
Rentals
Cabin Rentals
www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks
Reservations can be made up to 1 year in advance for a Cabin in on our parks.
Locations: Loomis Boathouse, Snell-Crawford & Hydro-Electric. * prices subject to changes
Dates: Mid-April – Mid-October
Price: $80/Day Deposit: $100
Location: Loomis Octagon
Dates: Mid-April – Mid-October
Price: $30/Day Deposit: $100
Open 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-serve basis. * prices subject to changes
Locations: Oleson, Phinney, Snell-Crawford, & Schmoker
Price: $30/Day
Oleson Park Pavilion
www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks
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. * prices subject to changes
Location: Donna Jean Monkelien Pavilion (Oleson Park)
Date: Year-round cabin
Price: Friday - Sunday $275/day
Price: Monday - Thursday $150/day
Deposit: $275
Parks & Forestry
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 22 - January 26
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 2025 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!
Parks & Forestry
617 Central Avenue • 515-576-7237 • parks@fortdodgeiowa.org
We have over 300 acres of City Parks available in Fort Dodge, these are just a few of our bigger parks with more amenities.
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, open shelter, rentable cabin, trail connectivity, open green space, and seasonal restroom
Oleson Park
12th Avenue South & 17th Street Pavilion
Amenities: playground, rentable & open shelter, splashpad, trail connectivity, sand volleyball court, 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, pickleball court, and seasonal restroom
Sunkissed Meadows Disc Golf
326 11th Ave. North
Amenities: open green space, trail connectivity, and disc golf course
