Recreation Services, Public Areas & Cemeteries Division Directory
www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks
Recreation Services Division
Lori Branderhorst – Recreation Services Director: lbranderhorst@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 – Receptionist: jmerritt@fortdodgeiowa.org
Mary Solverson –Foster Grandparents Program Assistant: msolverson@fortdodgeiowa.org
Trevor Dennis – Lakeside Clubhouse Manager: tdennis@fortdodgeiowa.org
Ron Bygness – Grounds Specialist Lakeside: rbygness@fortdodgeiowa.org
Ryan Zeka – Sports Turf Technician Harlan & Hazel Rogers: rzeka@fortdodgeiowa.org
Thomas Miller – Sports Turf Technician Lakeside: tmiller@fortdodgeiowa.org
Public Areas Division
Aaron Steburg – Public Areas Director: asteburg@fortdodgeiowa.org
Rich Peterson – Technical Operations Lead: rpeterson@fortdodgeiowa.org
Jason Jones – Public Areas Supervisor/CPSI Specialist
Ryan Ziems – City Forester
Aaron Claus – Forestry Technician
Nyles Johnson – Public Areas Maintenance
Cemetery Division
Andrea Richardson – Cemetery Supervisor: arichardson@fortdoodgeiowa.org
Craig Bickford – Cemetery Maintenance: cbickford@fortdodgeiowa.org
Morgan Hansen– Cemetery Maintenance: mhansen@fortdodgeiowa.org
Important Contact Information
Recreation Service and Public Areas – 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
Fort Dodge Parks & Rec
Fort Dodge Foster Grandparents
Harlan Rogers Sports Complex
Lakeside Golf Course
Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center
Policies
Fees
Visit www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks often for program offerings!
Photo & Video Release
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 Recreation Services.” 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 the Fort Dodge Recreation Services Division are sold “ as-is” without any guarantees. By purchasing, you confirm that you have read and understood the no-cash refund policy. If the Fort Dodge Recreation Services Division cancels programs or rentals, a full refund will be issued to your Recreation Services account or the original credit/debit card. If a customer withdraws from a program or cancels a rental, a refund may be issued to the Recreation Services Account or to the credit/debit card (per the guidelines below), minus $5 administrative fee. Account credits expired 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 of more business days before the start or registration deadline: Full credit, minus $5 administrative fee
• Removal from class/activity by staff recommendation: Full credit to the account or credit/debit card.
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.
On occasion, our staff may take photographs/videos of participants at Recreation Services Division 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 Recreation Services Division 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 Recreation Services Division 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 2026 Seasons! Stop in or call our Recreation Services Division Office for more details.
Scholarship Program
Thanks to generous sponsors from Baker Electric, Cargill, Fort Dodge Asphalt, Fort Frenzy, Cardiff Center & 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 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), or submission of complaints of any characteristic protected by federal law.
Recreation Programs Registration Dates
Youth Leagues Registration Dates
w Basketball Opportunities
w Novice Track January 30 – April 3
• Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5
Adult Leagues
w Women’s Volleyball
• Sundays, November 9, 16, 23
• December 7, 14, 21
• January 4, 11, 18
Adaptive Programing
w Basketball Camp Opportunities
• Monday, January 12
• Saturday, January 24
w Wiffleball Camp Opportunities
• Monday, February 9
• Saturday, February 21
Special Events
w 2025 Direct Sales Vendor Show
• Saturday, November 15
w 2025 Kids Makers Market
• Saturday, November 15
w E-Sports Tournament: Mario Cart 8 Deluxe
• Saturday, January 17
w Daddy Daughter Dance
• Sunday, February 15
w 2026 Direct Sales Vendor Show
• Saturday, February 7
• Saturday, March 21
w 2026 Kids Makers Market
• Saturday, February 7
• Saturday, March 21
Activities
w Tumbling & Cheer Class
• Wednesdays, November 5, 12, 19, December 3
*See Page 9*
September 12 – October 31
December 5 – January 9
January 2 – February 6
August 29 – October 10
August 29 – October 10
November 7 – January 9
December 12 – January 30
December 19 – January 23
December 19 – January 23
September 5 – October 19
w Letters from Santa October 3 – November 28
• Monday, December 10 Mailed
w Gingerbread House Class
• Thursday, December 11
w Science Class
• Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24
October 17 – December 5
January 2 – February 27
How to Register for Fort Dodge Recreation Services Division Programs:
1. Online: www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks
American Express, Discover, MasterCard & Visa accepted *convenience charge will apply*
2. Mail or Drop Off: Recreation Services Division
Citizen’s Central 617 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
3. Create an Account: www.fortdodgeiowa.org/parks
Grade Levels
Register according to the grade level the participant is CURRENTLY enrolled.
Late Registrations
Registrations after the deadline may be accepted only in the event that there is room on a team or activity. 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 missing 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
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 weekly game
Incentive
All volunteer coaches who lead a team will get their program fee reimbursed to their recreation services account after the season.
Youth Basketball Opportunities
Not affiliated with FD Recreation Services
Due to several opportunities for youth basketball in our community we have decided to support these other organizations’ efforts instead of offering another choice to our residents through our department. Our hopes are that all interested individuals will find a program that best suits their needs.
Play4Him – Little Ballers Club
$180
The Little Baller program offers a mix of skills training and games every Monday night. Each week features a new game format, starting with 3-on-3 and building up to 5-on-5. The focus is on having fun while learning the fundamentals of the game. This programs is for boys and girls, grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade.
Registration Deadline: October 31
Dates: Mondays, November 3 – January 26
Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Location: Sports Pavilion
To register or for further information visit: play4himacademy.com
AFES Basketball Skills & League Opportunities
September Skills Camp
Dates: Throughout September Grades: 3rd – High School
October Basketball Events
October 1: AFES League Registration Opens
Grades: PreK – 6th
Dates: October 20 – January 31
October 5: AFES Traveling Ball Tryouts
Grades: 4th – 8th
To register or for further information visit: afes4kids.org or call/text 515-571-0529
$50
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 5! T-shirt included with registration.
Registration: January 30 – April 3
Dates: Tuesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5
Time: 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM *Excludes Track Meet Date
Location: St. Edmond Arena Track, 1001 4th Avenue North
Adult Leagues
Women’s Volleyball $200/team
Women’s Volleyball League 2025/2026.Location and Times TBD- Will be on Sunday Evenings Competitive League 4 team spots, Recreation League 8 team spots *First-come first-serve *must be paid in advance to reserve your spot
Registration: September 12 – October 31
Dates: Sundays, November 9, 16, 23
December 7, 14, 21
January 4, 11, 18
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Duncombe Elementary
Adaptive Programming $15
Refers to programs or activities that are specifically designed to support individuals with disabilities or unique challenges so they can fully participate, learn, and thrive.
Basketball Camp Opportunities:
Dates: Monday, January 12th
Time: 5:45-6:45 PM
Location: TBD
Dates: Saturday, January 24th
Time: 9:30-10:30 AM
Location: Location TBD
Wiffleball Camp Opportunities
Dates: Monday, February 9th
Time: 5:45-6:45 PM
Location: TBD
Dates: Saturday, February 21st
Time: 9:30-10:30 AM
Location: TBD
Special Events
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe $20
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:
Age Groups:
Group 1: 1st-3rd grade: 9:30 AM -11:30 AM
Group 2: 4rd-7th grade: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Group 3: 8th-12th grade: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Registration Dates: November 7 – January 9
Date: Saturday, January 17
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Citizen’s Central, 617 Central Avenue
Cost: $20/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 12 – January 30
Date: Sunday, February 15
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Fort Frenzy’s Cardiff Center, 3232 1st Avenue South
Cost: $45 for one child, $70 for two children, $85 for three children
Special Events
Citizens’ Central Vendor Shows FREE
Join us down at Citizen’s Central for various vendor shows this fall/winter 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.
Show Dates: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Availability: 16-18 Vendor Spots
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Citizen’s Central Lower Level, 617 Central Avenue
Cost: FREE to Public, Pre-Registration Required for Vendors
($40 or $45 – for electrical)
Kids’ Maker 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).
Show Dates: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Availability: 5-10 Vendor Spots
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Citizen’s Central Upper Level, 617 Central Avenue
Cost: FREE to Public, Pre-Registration Required for Vendors
($15 or $20 – for electrical)
Activities
Letters From Santa
$5
Get into 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: October 3 – November 28
Letters Sent: Before December 15
Gingerbread House Class $20
Join us at the Parks & Recreation Office for a fun holiday activity! This activity is geared for ages 2–12 but all ages are welcome to participate. We’ll provide the supplies—you bring the creativity! Each child must register to build their own house.
Registration Dates: October 17 – December 5
Date: Thursday, December 11
Time: 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Citizen’s Central, 617 Central Avenue
Activities
Tumbling & Cheer Class $20
Dance, flip, cheer, and move! Children ages 2–5 can join the FDSH Cheerleaders for this fun, highenergy class designed just for them. Kids will learn basic tumbling and cheering skills in a playful setting. T-shirt included!
Registration Date: September 5 – October 17
Date: Wednesdays, November 5-December 3 (excludes Thanksgiving week) November 5, 12, 19, December 3
Time: 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM
Location: Citizen’s Central, 617 Central Avenue
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 child will be provided with the supplies needed for each weekly experiment. Each week, class will start 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 2 – February 20
Class Dates: February 23, March 2, 9, 16
Class Time: 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM
Location: Citizen’s Central, 617 Central Avenue
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: 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 & use. Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm
Citizen’s Central Rentals
Dining Room Rentals
Friday/Saturday/Sunday ONLY
•$225 (4 total hours) with kitchen included
•$285 (8 total hours) with kitchen included
Meeting Space Business Hours
•$30/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.
Recreation Services Information
617 Central Avenue | 515-576-7237 | earndt@fortdodgeiowa.org
Operation Merry Mulch
This service helps Fort Dodge residents in the proper disposal of their real Christmas trees (no other items accepted). Please remove all stands, wires, nails, lights, and ornaments before disposal.
Dates: December 26 – January 25
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 2026 Seasons! Stop in or call our Parks & Recreation Office for more details starting in December once Season Passes go on sale.
Gift Certificates
Stop by the Recreation Services Office this holiday season to pick up a Gift Certificate! They can be used for rentals, season passes, daily fees, recreation programs, and concessions
Rentals
Cabin Rentals
Reservations can be made up to 1 year in advance for a Cabin in in our parks.
Locations: Loomis Boathouse, Snell-Crawford & Hydro-Electric
Dates: Mid-April – Mid-October
Price: $85/Day
Deposit: $100 (cash or check)
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
Dates: Mid-April – Mid-October
Price: $35/Day (Oleson Park, Phinney Park, & Snell-Crawford Park)
Price: $100/day (Schmoker Family Park)
Oleson Park Pavilion
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 $325/day
Price: Monday-Thursday $160/day
Deposit: $285 (cash or check)
How to Reserve Cabins/Shelters/Pavilion:
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 515-576-0623. Dolliver State Park, please call 515-359-2539
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. 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, 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 and open shelter, trail connectivity, sand volleyball court, disc golf, open green space, and seasonal restroom
Lizard Creek Mountain Bike Trail (MBT)
2nd Street NW and Phinney Park Drive
Amenities: parking, seasonal restroom, bike repair station, trail access for MBT, water trail access, and open shelter
Hydro-Electric Park
4th Avenue NW & 1st Street
Amenities: playround, sand volleyball court, horseshoe courts, baseball/softball field, open green space, and rentable cabin with seasonal restroom
Knollcrest Park
10th Avenue North & 30th Street
Amenities: playground, trail connectivity, and open green space
Loomis Park
Hawkeye Avenue & Loomis Park Drive
Amenities: playground, rentable cabin, trail connectivity, fishing, kayaking, open green space, and seasonal restroom
Oleson Park
12th Avenue South & 17th Street Pavilion
Amenities: playground, rentable pavilion and open shelter, splashpad, trail connectivity, open green space, seasonal restroom, bandshell and deer enclosure
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 courts, and seasonal restroom
Sunkissed Meadows Disc Golf
326 11th Ave. North
Amenities: open green space, trail connectivity, disc golf course, and skatepark
