Recreation Services & Public Areas Directory
www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks
Lori Branderhorst – Recreation Services Division Director: lbrandherhorst@fortdodgeiowa.org
Kevin Lunn – Public Areas Superintendent: kjlunn@fortdodgeiowa.org
Chad Graaf – Grounds Superintendent: cgraaf@fortdodgeiowa.org
Hannah Angstrom – Assistant Recreation Services 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 Technician 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
Fort Dodge Soccer Association – fdsoccer.org
The REC (Former YMCA) – 515-573-7107
Policies
FEES
Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!
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 original purchase date. All services or merchandise sold by the Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation Department is sold as-is without any guarantee. By purchasing 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
Program cancellations or postponements 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 this cannot be guaranteed.
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 after December 1, 2024.
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 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
Youth Leagues
• Basketball PreK-K Skills Camp
NOW- December 27
• Basketball 1-2nd NOW- December 27
• Novice Track January 31 – April 4
• 2–3-Year-Old Soccer in the Parks February 21 – April 11
• 4 Year Old Park Socce in the Parks February 21 – April 11
Special Events
• Back to December Bash NOW – December 2
• E-Sports Tournament: Mario Cart November 25 – January 13
• Daddy Daughter Dance December 13 - January 24
• Preschool Prom January 3 – February 21
• Paint Swap & Sip: Adult Night Out January 20 – March 9
• 2024 Spring Vendor Show February 3 – March 24
Activities
• Letters from Santa NOW- November 29
• 12 Days of Christmas Activity Bag NOW – December 3
• Gingerbread House Class October 19 – December 8
• Science Class January 3 – February 21
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.
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.
Program T-shirts
For programs that include a T-shirt, there will be ordering rules and specific circumstances that will be in place.
• Those who are registered by the deadline will get the t-shirt size that they ordered for the program. If it is missed in the original order, it will be reordered for your child.
• Those who register 1-7 days following the deadline will get a t-shirt, but it will not be rush ordered due to the deadline being passed.
• Anyone who registers outside of the 7-day post-deadline period will not get a t-shirt.
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
Volunteer Coaching
For leagues and programs that have teams, we need volunteer coaches!
Coaching Requirements
• Volunteer Background Check
• One-hour weeknight practice (unless otherwise noted)
• One-hour Saturday AM game
Incentive
All volunteer coaches who lead a team will get their program fee reimbursed to their recreation services account after the season.
Youth Leagues
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. Volunteers Needed!
Registration: NOW- December 27
Skill Camp Dates: January-February
Time: Saturday AM
Location: Butler Gym
Recreation Basketball 1-2nd Grade $45
The focus of the half-court 3-on-3 Recreation League is the introduction of basketball principles, skill development, and physical exercise, to learn and enjoy the sport of basketball. Participants will have 1 weekday practice, and 1 game day (week/weekend TBD). Volunteer Coaches Needed!
Registration: NOW- December 27
Game Dates: January & February
Time: Weeknights and Saturday AM
Location: Butler Gym
Youth Leagues
Novice Track (Ages 4-10)
$40
Learn the basics of track and field by practicing: conditioning, stretching, short sprints, long runs, relays, shuttle relays, shot put, and disc throw. Mini Track Meet, Tuesday, May 6th: 4–6-year-old 5:30-6:30pm, 7–10-year-old 7:00-8:00pm. T-shirt included
Registration: January 31 – April 4
Dates: April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6 (Tuesdays)
Time: 5:45-6:45 PM *Excludes Track Meet Date
Location: St. Edmond Arena Track
Youth Leagues
Soccer in the Parks (Ages 2-3)
$40
Join us for some skills development, fun games, and scrimmages! We are here just for fun! The very basics, no hands, kicking the ball in the right direction, and kicking a goal with a few games included. Three weeks of skills camps, Two weeks of games! Two weeks of skills camps, two weeks of games! Volunteer Coaches Needed!
Registration: February 21 – April 11
Dates: April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22 (Thursdays)
Time: Evenings
Location: Schmoker Family Park
Soccer in the Parks (Ages 4)
$40
Join us for some skills development, fun games, and scrimmages! We are here just for fun! The very basics, no hands, kicking the ball in the right direction, and kicking a goal with a few games included. Three weeks of skills camps, two weeks of games! Volunteer Coaches Needed!
Registration: February 21 – April 11
Dates: April 21, 28 May 5, 12 (Mondays)
Time: Evenings
Location: Schmoker Family Park
Special Events
Back to December T. Swift Bash $20
Are you a Swiftie? We have the perfect event for you! Join us for our Back to December Bash with all sorts of Taylor Swift Fun! Fort Dodge Parks and Recreation, Fort Frenzy, and the Cardiff Center are teaming up to bring you something new and fun! Swiftie activities include:
- Make a Bracelet
- Fun Photo Booth Experience with instant pictures
- Face Paint and Tattoos
- Create some fun heart-shaped sunglasses to take with you
- Ice cream bar
Registration Date: NOW – December 2
Date: Friday, December 13
Times: 6:00pm-9:00pm, Come & Go
Location: Fort Frenzy Cardiff Center
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe $15
Join us for our E-Sports Nintendo Switch tournament series. Although competitive, this tournament series is meant to be fun for all ages and will no doubt have many levels of skill present. The 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 participants per session:
1. 1st – 3rd Grade: 10:00am-1:30pm
2. 4th – 7th Grade: 1:30pm-3:30pm
Registration Dates: November 25 – January 13
Date: Saturday, January 18
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Citizen’s Central
Cost: $15/player
Special Events
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
Special Events
2024 Preschool Prom
$25
Calling all Preschoolers! Join us for a FUN red carpet night all about you! Dancing, Snacking, formal photos, and a photo booth! Come and spend some time with your friends! This event is geared toward currently enrolled preschoolers only. A Guardian must be present for the entirety of the event.
Registration Date: January 3- February 21
Date: Sunday, March 9
Time: 4:00-5:30pm
Location: Fort Frenzy’s Cardiff Center
Paint Swap & Sip: Adult Night Out
$15 per Person
Join us with a friend or two for a FUN evening of timed, unplanned painting! This activity will test your creativity and be sure to give you good belly laughs. You bring the creativity, and we will provide all the supplies!
Registration Dates: January 20 – March 9
Date: Thursday, March 13
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Citizen’s Central
Ages: 18+ BYOB (wine or beer welcome) must have a valid ID present
Special Events
2024 Spring Vendor Show FREE
Join us and our 20+ 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 Nemours vendors are door prize giveaways. If you are interested in becoming a vendor for this show email Alexis at awolfe@fortdodgeiowa.org & she can provide you with more information.
Date: Saturday, March 29
Time: 9am – 3pm
Location: Citizen’s Central
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
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 are available online when registration opens. There will be THREE top trees chosen for a prize drawing!
Registration Date: 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
Cost: $5/letter
Activities
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: Thursday, December 12
Time: 5:45pm-7:00pm
Location: Citizen’s Central
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 Mondays 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. Each week will start class with a paper activity making observations based on the objects in front of them, and then each child will get to do their experiment with the instructor! *Class size is limited to 20 participants
Registration Dates: January 3 – February 21
Class Dates: February 24, March 3, 10, 17
Class Time: 5:30pm-6:15pm
Location: Citizen’s Central
Citizen’s Central
617 Central Avenue 515-576-7237
earndt@fortdodgeiowa.org
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-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm
Open Exercise: We have an exercise room with weights as well as machines that users can come in & use
Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm
Citizen’s 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
*Prices are subject to change December 1, 2024
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!
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 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.
Cabin Rentals
Cabin Rentals
Reservations can be made up to 1 year in advance for a Cabin in 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
*Prices are subject to change December 1, 2024
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.
Locations: Oleson, Phinney, Snell-Crawford, & Schmoker
Price: $30/Day
*Prices are subject to change December 1, 2024
Oleson Park Pavilion
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
* prices subject to change December 1, 2024
Traditional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for Self Defense
Traditional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for Self Defense at Faiferlick Martial Arts encompasses a comprehensive approach to personal safety and combat preparedness. It is a safe class to prevent injuries to students. Rooted in a rich history of diverse martial arts disciplines, it combines techniques from various traditional martial arts such as Taekwondo, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Boxing, Aikido, Hapkido, Escrima and Weapons. This holistic approach includes striking techniques for stand-up situations, throws and takedowns for close quarters combat, and ground fighting for when situations escalate to the ground. Traditional MMA focuses not only on physical skills but also on mental and emotional aspects, imparting discipline, respect, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. It provides individuals with the tools and confidence needed to defend themselves effectively while promoting a sense of honor and responsibility in the process.
Little Tigers
This class is for 3-7-year-olds that are ready to focus for 30 minutes! We work on basic jiu jitsu games, blocks, kicks, and self-defense all mixed in with some fun. Our goal is to get them ready to join our regular martial arts classes. An adult is required to do the class with the children.
JIU-JITSU
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) In this program, you will learn the core techniques of Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. You can start the program at any time. We have dedicated ourselves to helping people develop the mental fortitude and physical strength necessary to overcome life’s challenges, both on and off the mats. We believe in the power of Jiu-Jitsu to instill discipline, resilience, and a sense of community, guiding our students toward personal excellence and a healthier, more fulfilling life.
