Parks & Recreation Director
Ben Dayton, CPRP
Recreation Supervisor
Brett Ketterman, CPRP
Senior Center Director
Chris Nye
Admin Assist./Program Coord.
Nash Christian
Parks Maintenance
J.J. Yanke, Parks Maint. Supervisor
Rick Allard
Josh Crandall
David Radloff, CPO & CPSI
Mathew Thompson, CPO
Parks & Rec. Advisory Board
Kyle Jacekel, Council Rep.
Steve Mahoney, Schools
Ryan Baldry
Robert Cassidy
Becky Romens
Hillary Baird
Simon Dorfman
City Manager
Rebecca Houseman
Fort Atkinson Parks & Recreation Office Info
30 N. Water St - W Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
Office Hours:
Mon.-Fri.: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Sat.-Sun.: Closed
Phone: (920) 397-9910
Fax: (920) 563-7784
A huge thank you to the Fort Atkinson Family Aquatic Center team for their incredible work this past summer!
Park Shelter Refund Policy
Fullrefundsaregiven,atnochargeforcancellationrequestsreceivedatleast30days priortotheeventdate.
Thereisnochargetochangethedateand/orlocationiftherequestisreceived30days ormorepriortotheeventdate.
Cancellations and changes received 29 to 14 days prior to the event date (counting noticedateandeventdate)willbeissueda50%refund.
Nocancellationsorchangeswillbeaccepted13daysorfewerbeforetheeventdate (countingnoticedateandeventdate).
Rec.ProgramCancellation&RefundPolicy
ProgramfeesarerefundablewhentheactivityiscancelledbytheCity,theparticipant cancelsforamedicalreasonpreventingparticipationinatleast50%oftheprogram,or theparticipantun-enrolls4ormoredayspriortothebeginningoftheclass.
IfarefundrequestismadeforwhichtheParks&RecreationDepartmenthasincurred expensesonyourbehalf,arefundmaynotbegranted.Expensesmaybebutarenot limitedto:uniforms,equipment,supplies,etc.
Refundscanbeissuedeitherintheoriginalformofpaymentorplacedonyouraccount forfuturerecreationprogramuse.Moneyplacedonyouraccountwillexpire2yearsafter thedateitwasissued.
Arefundrequestedforotherreasonsshallbedecidedonacase-by-casebasisatthe solediscretionoftheDirectorofParksandRecreation.
PhotoPolicy
TheParksandRecreationDepartmentusespicturesofparticipantsinbrochures,social media,anddisplaystoinformothersofourrecreationalopportunities.Ifyoudonotwant aphototaken,pleasetellthephotographerortheinstructor.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Skate Park Scare (All
Ages)
Join the Parks & Recreation staff at the Fort Atkinson Wheels Park in Ralph Park for a costume contest and music Skate, scooter, or bike to Halloween music and show off your special tricks to everyone.
Date: Sat , Oct 26
Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE for All Ages
Location: Fort Atkinson Wheels Park
Holiday Lights Bus Tour (All Ages)
Get a front row seat as you experience Fort Atkinson's dazzling lights and splendor of the season! We will be touring the Fort Atkinson houses submitted for Deck the House, so don't forget your phone to vote! Bus departs from the Parks & Recreation office.
Max: 43
Date: Thurs., Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Fee: $5/person
Deck the House (All Ages)
Join the Jefferson County wide Holiday Lights Decorating Contest Categories this year are Best Holiday Spirit, Clark Griswold, and Most Elegant. Winners of each category will receive a custom ornament Take a tour around Fort Atkinson (sign up for the Fort Atkinson Holiday Lights Bus Tour!) and surrounding communities and vote for your favorites in each category for all areas. Join "Deck the HouseJefferson County, WI" on Facebook for the voting and map links
Important Dates:
Nov 18 - Dec 1: Submit your home
Dec. 9: Map and voting link will become available Dec. 9 - Dec. 15: Public can view lights and vote Dec 16: Winners in each community are announced
World Of Wheels (All Ages)
Enjoy walking around trucks and cars of various sizes, shapes, and jobs This is a chance for children to get up close and personal with their favorite big rig! Race cars, fire trucks, police cars, garbage trucks, construction vehicles, and many other vehicles may be on display for children of all ages to look at, explore, and possibly climb on and sit inside the vehicles
Date:Saturday,September14
Time: 9:30-11:00 a.m.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Haunted Hike
Dates: Oct., 18 & 19
Advanced registration required Sun , Oct 27: 1:00-4:00 p m
Time: 6:00-9:00 p m
Kid friendly trail: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Haumerson's Pond Warming Shelter
550 S 4th Street - East, Fort Atkinson
Night Ski & Hike
Dates: Sat , Feb 8
Time: 1:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Haumerson's Pond Warming Shelter
Location: Ralph Park
Trick or Treat
Trunk or Treat
Date: Thurs., Oct. 31: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Jones Park
Holiday Parade
Date: Sun., Dec. 8
Time: Parade starts at 4:30 p m
Fee: Free
YOUTH BASKETBALL
Mini Dunkers (Grades 5K&1)
This 4-week course for both boys and girls will get your child started in the right direction Extensive ball handling and shooting skills will be covered at stations for the hour. Max: 40
Dates: Sat , Oct 26, Nov 2, 16, 23 No class Nov. 9
Time: 9:30-10:30 a m
Location: Fort High School Gym
Fee: $25 incl. t-shirt (+$5 after 10/11)
Deadline: October 21
Full Court Basketball League (Gr. 3&4)
This league will have separate boys and girls teams. Teams will be formed by schools and include both grades 3 & 4 together Teams will practice two times a week based on coach and gym availability in December and one time per week in January and February. Games will start January 11 and conclude March 1 and are played primarily in the mornings or early afternoons Games will be played in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Johnson Creek and Palmyra
Game Dates: Sat , Jan 11 - Mar 1
Practice Time: Starts in December TBD by coach Game Time: Morning / Early Afternoon
Location: Varies
Fee: $40 incl. t-shirt (+$5 after 11/6)
Deadline: November 8
Small Fry (Grades 2&3)
Dribbling games, shooting contest, relays, and obstacle courses are used to teach the skills of basketball each Saturday. Full court games will be introduced. Max: 40
Dates: Sat , Oct 26, Nov 2, 16, 23 No class Nov. 9
Time: 8:30-9:30 a m
Location: Fort High School Gym
Fee: $25 incl. t-shirt (+$5 after 10/11)
Deadline: October 21
Youth Basketball Coach's Clinic
Those interested in coaching in our basketball leagues or want to learn how to teach the game to their children, we will be having a basketball coach's clinic that will cover the best ways to teach shooting, dribbling, and passing to the players in our league. Numerous drills will also be shown with the teaching techniques incorporated into the drills League rules will also be discussed No registration is required.
Date: Wed., Nov. 20
Time: 6:00-8:00 p m
Location: Municipal Building Gym
Fee: Free
Youth Basketball Official's Clinic
Learn the secrets to be a great youth basketball official in this 90-minute clinic. Positioning, controlling the game, and communication with coaches and players will be covered. We will also cover our grade 3 & 4 modified rules No registration is required.
Date: Mon , Dec 30
Time: 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building Gym
Fee: Free
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Bantam Volleyball (Grades 4-6)
Learn the individual skills of volleyball. Serving, setting, passing, and spiking will be covered with drills and contests to challenge and add to the fun! This is a great program for inexperienced 6th graders (< 1 year of volleyball) This program is offered for boys and girls. Max: 40
Dates: Mon , Nov 11, 18, 25, Dec 2
Time: 5:15-6:15 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building Gym Fee: $25 incl. t-shirt (+$5 after 10/27)
Deadline: November 8
Smash Volleyball (Grades 6-8)
Continue volleyball instruction while adding more team strategies through some game competition 6th graders who have played volleyball for 2+ years may sign up for this program This camp is offered for boys and girls. Max: 40
Dates: Mon , Nov 11, 18, 25, Dec 2
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building Gym
Fee: $25 incl. t-shirt (+$5 after 10/27)
Deadline: November 8
Indoor Soccer (Grades 5K-3)
For the first part of class, the children will work on fundamentals and then move onto game play Dribbling, kicking, passing, trapping, and goaltending will be covered During the second part of class your child will have the chance to play offense, defense, and goalie. Teams are formed by grade and school A soft soccer ball is used to make play safer and to make the ball easier to control Min/Max: 10/32
Dates: Sat , Mar 1, 8, 15, 22
Time: Session 1: Grades 2-3: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Session 2: Grades 5K-1: 12:30-1:30 p m
Session 3: Grades 5K-1: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building Gym Fee: $25 incl. t-shirt (+$5 after 2/10)
Deadline: February 26
Wide World of Sports (Ages 4-5 & K)
Instructors will teach a new sport each class and include basic rules, simple skills, fun contests, and kids will get to see all the equipment needed to play each sport. This is a non-competitive atmosphere with a safe, proper sized sports ball Sports include baseball, basketball, flag football, and soccer At the end of each class, kids will get to try on a jersey and equipment. Max: 20
Dates: Mon./Wed., Oct. 7, 9, 14, 16
Time: 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building Gym Fee: $20 (+$5 after 9/29)
Deadline: October 6
Nerf Dart Battle (Ages 8-12)
Get ready for an adrenaline pumping indoor dart battle! This action-packed event transforms the Municipal Gym into an arena filled with barricades and hideouts. Participants bring their own dart blasters (darts and safety googles will be provided). Join the Parks and Rec. staff for an epic foam-flying frenzy. Min/Max: 14/30
Date: Session 1: Thurs., Oct. 24
Session 2: Thurs., Nov. 21 Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building Gym Fee: $10/person
Deadline: Oct 17 (Ses 1) & Nov 14 (Ses 2)
-Fort Atkinson Parks and Recreation -Fort Atkinson Youth Center -Fort Atkinson Wheels Park -Main Street Dance Studio -Fort Atkinson Family Aquatic Center -Fort Atkinson Senior Center
@fort_parks_rec
@mainstreet.dancestudio
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Games, Games, Games (Grades 5K-4)
Spend an hour getting exercise while playing some of the following games: Dodgeball, Whiffle Ball, Capture the Flag, and more. Min/Max: 10/25
Dates: Dec. 27, 30, 31
Time: Grade 5K-4: 11:00 a m -12:00 p m
Location: Municipal Building Gym
Fee: $10 (+$5 after 12/13)
Deadline: December 20
Open Gym (Grades 5-12)
The municipal gym is open for pickup basketball games, Capture the Flag, Whiffle Ball, and Dodgeball. So grab your friends and come use this great facility!
Dates: Dec. 27, 30, 31
Time: 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building Gym
Fee: FREE
Start Smart Programs
These unique programs blend our staff, parents, and your children for a 4-day program Our lead instructor shows parents how to best teach the proper skills for this age level utilizing special equipment and age appropriate sized balls. This program is a great way to share a fun and learning experience with your child Due to limited equipment and space, be sure to register early!
Pee Wee Basketball (Ages 3-5)
Dates: Mon /Wed , Nov 11, 13, 18, 20
Time: 3:45-4:30 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building Gym
Fee: $20 (+$5 after 10/21)
Deadline: November 8 (Min/Max: 10/20)
Start Smart Soccer (Ages 3-5)
Dates: Mon./Wed., Mar. 3, 5, 10, 12
Time: 3:45-4:30 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building Gym
Fee: $20 (+$5 after 2/10)
Deadline: February 28 (Min/Max: 10/20)
Start Smart Baseball (Ages 3-5)
Dates: Mon /Wed , April 7, 9, 14, 16
Time: 3:45-4:30 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building Gym
Fee: $20 (+$5 after 3/17)
Deadline: April 4 (Min/Max: 10/20)
Start Smart Golf (Ages 5-7)
Dates: Mon/Wed, April 21, 23, 28, 30
Time: 3:45-4:30 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building Gym
Fee: $20 (+$5 after 3/31)
Deadline: April 18 (Min/Max: 8/16)
Youth Center (Grades 6-8)
Looking for a fun, safe, chaperoned place on Friday and Saturday nights for kids in grades 6-7-8? The Fort Youth Center is the place to be With a gym for shooting baskets, hitting volleyballs around, playing dodgeball or laser tag, we are the #1 destination for middle school students. Add in a video game room with a PlayStation 4, Xbox 1, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Switch and you have a night of fun waiting at your fingertips. A small concession stand with candy bars, chips, and drinks are available for purchase.
Hours: Location: Municipal Building Gym
Fridays 3:30-6:00 p m (Sept-Oct) 3:30-7:00 p.m. (Nov-May)
Saturdays 5:00-9:00 p m
Fee: $2/day, $15 for season pass (9/6/2024 - 8/31/2025)
Winter Break Hours (12/30-1/3): Tues.-Fri.: 12:00-4:00 p.m. Youth Center closed Jan 1 Spring Break Hours (3/24-28): Mon.-Fri.: 12:00-4:00 p.m.
**Discounts off of trips and lock-ins if you have a season pass
DANCE & KARATE
Main Street Dance Studio (Ages 3-18)
31 classes are offered for all levels of dance during our 24-week school year session at Main Street Dance Studio Classes are offered for ages 3-18 Classes are held in our dance studios on the second floor of the municipal building above the Parks and Recreation Office. Our instructors teach ballet, tap, jazz, theatrical, and pointe classes. Participants will be placed in classes based on age and level of dance The 24-week session starts in late September/early October and concludes with a dance recital at UW-Whitewater's Young Auditorium. To sign up for dance or to find a class that will suit your dancer, visit our website at fortparksandrec activityreg com or call the office at 920-397-9910
Fort Atkinson Traditional Karate-do (Ages
5-Adult)
Sensei Megan Gleisner, a second dan runs our karate program. Sensei Gleisner has been training for eighteen years at the Shin Gi Tai Dojo here in Fort Atkinson and Jefferson She has trained under Kyoshi Brad Wells and Sensei Bolton. She was an assistant instructor for seven years before taking over the Fort Atkinson Dojo over a year ago. Each karate session runs for six weeks. Sensei Gleisner and her staff will teach the techniques of Shotokan and Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu Karate, but also improve coordination, discipline, and respect. Various skill levels are offered for youth including a level for new kids to the program
Fee: $32-44/6-week session
Location: Municipal Building Gym
Novice 1: Ages 5-8 & new to our Karate school - Saturdays 8:00-8:30 a m - $32
Novice 2: Novice Red/Yellow/Orange Belt - Saturdays 8:30-9:00 a.m. - $32
Junior 1: Ages 9-14 New to Karate White/Yellow Belt - Saturdays 9:00-9:45 a m - $40
Junior 2: Junior Orange/Red or Novice Orange/Green - Saturdays 9:00-10:15 a.m. - $44
Black Belt Club: Brown Belts+ - Saturdays 10:15-11:30 a.m. - $44
Adult/Teen Open: Ages 15+ - 10:15-11:30 a m - $44
Session 6: Sept 14-Oct 19
Session 7: Nov. 2-Dec. 14 (Off 11/30)
Session 1: Jan 4-Feb 8
Session 2: Feb. 22-Mar. 29
Session 3: April 12-May 17
Deadline: Sept 9
Deadline: Oct. 18
Deadline: Dec 27
Deadline: Feb. 7
Deadline: Mar. 28
Note: $10 late fee after deadline
FAMILY & YOUTH ENRICHMENT
Playground Playdate (All Ages)
Caregivers meet up at Jones Park for one last get together before the playdates get moved indoors (see mini movers). Play with your kid(s) at the playground while meeting other parents in town! No early registration required This program is in place of "Coffee Cruisers" - please join the "Coffee Cruisers - Fort Atkinson" on Facebook for updates!
Date: Wed., Sept. 18
Time: 9:00-10:00 a m
Location: Jones Park
Ages: All Ages
Fee: Free
Mini Picassos (Ages 2-6)
Bring your little ones to a fun-filled environment to explore the colorful world of painting! Families get to experiment with different painting techniques, use vibrant colors, and create their masterpieces together on a small canvas. Please register each child Caregivers are required to stay and paint with their children. All supplies included. Max: 24 seats
Date: Thursday, Oct. 24
Time: 5:30-6:30 p m
Location: Fort Atkinson Senior Center
Ages: 2-6
Mini Movers (Ages 0-5)
Whether it's crawling, jumping, or running around, Mini Movers is a place kids can be themselves, explore their wild side, and build friendships through active play! This program is open gym style Caregivers are required to stay and play alongside their children. No early registration required
Dates: Wed. Oct. 9 & Nov. 13
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: Municipal Building Gym
Ages: 0-5
Fee: $2 drop-in per child
NEW Babysitters Training
This program will provide the safety skills and confidence necessary to be a great babysitter. Participants will develop leadership skills; learn how to develop a babysitting business, keep themselves and others safe, learn behavior management and learn about basic first aid Participants will receive a certificate and handbook. This class is provided in cooperation with CPR Training Specialists. Sack lunch required Min 8/Max 12
Session 1: Fri., Nov. 1 Deadline: Oct. 18
Session 2: Sat , Jan 25 Deadline: Jan 12
Fee: $20 per parent/c /each
Deadline: Oct 19
NEWPolarExpressTakeHomeKit(AllAges)
Take the Christmas spirit home with this Polar Express take-home kit which includes a ticket, jingle bell, craft, hot coco mix and more!
Kit Pick-up Date: Dec 17
Kit Pick-up Location: Municipal Building Gym
Fee: $12/kit
Deadline: November 27
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building Dance Room 2
Ages: 10-15
Fee: $100
Stuff N' Fluff (Ages 3-11)
Watch your child’s eyes light up this holiday season as you help them make a stuffed animal come to life. Each kit includes an animal, a heart, stuffing, and a birth certificate. No sewing required! There will be fun holiday themed festivities for all to enjoy as well as some hot coco and a snack. Max: 25
Date: Wed , Dec 11
Time: 4:00-4:45 p.m.
Location: Fort Atkinson Senior Center
Ages: 3-11
Fee: $15/child
Deadline: November 6
FAMILY & ADULT ACTIVITIES
Adult Recess (Ages 21+)
Mark your calendars, arrange the baby sitters, and rally your BFF’s! Adult Recess is a 21+ only free event that allows adults to be kids for a night. There will be nostalgic playground games, all of your favorite old hits, and food and beverages available for purchase through the General's Concession Stand In addition to cornhole, giant Jenga, and giant connect four, there will be organized games such as kickball at 6:30pm and dodgeball at 7:45 pm When adulting gets too hard, there’s Adult Recess!
Date: Fri., Sept. 13
Time: 6:00-9:00 p m
Location: Jones Park
Ages: 21+ (ID required)
Fee: FREE
NEW Hand Knit Blanket (Ages 16+)
Join us for this fun and easy workshop where you will create your very own cozy throw blanket! Jessie, from Chroma Art Studio, will guide you with step-by-step directions in how to make a hand knit blanket that requires no special tools! No prior knitting experience is needed. The finished blanket measures approximately 30" x 50" and is perfect for snuggling on the coach on those cold winter days. Soft, chunky yarn is provided. Min/Max: 4/20
Date: Sat., Nov. 9
Time: 12:00-4:00 p m
Ages: 16+
Adult Dodgeball (Ages 16+)
Prepareforanaction-packedeveningofdodgeball! Dodge,dip,duck,anddiveyourwaythroughthenight Experiencetherushofadrenalineasyouandyournew friendsstrategize,throw,anddodgeyourwayto victory.Allskilllevelsarewelcometocomeandenjoy thisclassicplaygroundgame.Signupindividually. Teamswillbeformedthenightof Min/Max:12/24
Date: Session 1: Tues , Oct 15 Session 2: Tues., Oct. 29
me: 6:00-7:00 p m
cation: Municipal Building Gym es: Ages 16+
e: $5/person (Advanced Registration Required) adline: Session 1: Oct 11 / Session 2: Oct 25
Disc Golf Drop-In League
The Fort Atkinson Disc Golf League offers a weekly free drop-in league night. All levels of play are invited to come out every Wednesday to play at the Rock River Park Disc Golf Course. No registration required.
Dates: Wednesdays
Time: 6:00 p.m. (Shot-gun start)
Location: Rock River Park Disc Golf Course
Fee: Free fortdiscgolf@gmail.com
Eisstok (Ages 14+)
Location: Municipal Building Dance Room 1
Fee: $95; incl. blanket material
Deadline: October 25
Eisstok is a game similar to curling but with much lighter stoks to toss. Eisstok is played like Bocce Ball on ice. Warm clothes, warm footwear (boots), and if you have ice creepers for your boots they are recommended but not necessary. It's a social game so bring along your good humor Friends of Haumerson's Pond will give instruc interested.
Dates: Thursdays in Winter months (weather dependent)
Time: Starts at 7:00 p.m.
Ages: 14+
Location: Haumerson's Pond Fee: Free
ADULT SPORTS
3-on-3 Basketball (Ages 16+)
Get a head start on the 5-on-5 season of basketball and sign your team up for the 3-on-3 half court league! Games are "call your own" with 4 mini-games played during each 1-hour matchup. Sign up at the Parks and Rec office with payment prior to play Min/Max: 4/8 teams
Dates: Wed., Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6
Location: Fort High School
Ages: 16+
Fee: $50/team
Deadline: September 25
5-on-5 Basketball (Ages 16+)
Sign your team up quickly as both leagues will fill fast! "A" League is a refereed league contingent upon finding enough referees. "B" League is nonofficiated, "call your own" games Players may not play in both leagues and roster size is limited to 12 players. Sign up at the Parks and Rec office with payment prior to play If interested in refereeing the adult basketball league, please contact the Parks & Rec Dept Max: 7 Teams per league
Date: Wed., Nov. 13-Mar. 12
Location: Fort Atkinson High School
Ages: 16+
Fee: A-League: $310, B-League: $160
Deadline: October 25
Winter Volleyball (Ages 15+)
Winter volleyball is a perfect chance to round up some people who want to have something fun to look forward to in the middle of a cold winter! Organized league play will begin mid-January. Sign up at the Parks & Rec office with payment prior to play.
Dates: Women: Thurs. Jan. 2-Mar. 20
Co-Ed: Sun Jan 5-Mar 23
Location: Municipal Building Gym
Fee: $130/team
Deadline: December 13
NEW Goaltimate (Ages 16+)
IfyouenjoyplayingUltimateFrisbeeandarelookingfor somethingfuntododuringthecoldmonths,tryyour handsatGoaltimate!Goaltimateisamini,fastpaced, “halfcourt”versionofUltimatewhichisfunforall!Join usattheMunicipalBuildingGymonTuesdaysforagreat timeplayingGoaltimate!Registrationrequired
Date: Tues , Nov 12, 19, 26, Dec 3, 10 Nov. 12 will be a clinic to learn the game
Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Location: Municipal Building Gym
Ages: 16+
Fee: $5
Adult Karate
Adults who are interested in Karate, please see page 7 for more information. Various skill levels are invited for people looking to join the program
Adult Summer Softball (Ages 15+)
The success of Fort Atkinson's summer softball leagues is the ability to draw a great number of teams, which allows the department to create divisions of play suitable for nearly every softball skill level. Whether your team is highly competitive, in the middle, or just out for fun and comradery, the Fort Atkinson Parks & Recreation softball leagues have a place for your team.
Dates: Mon.: Men's B/C/D League
Tues : Co-Ed Bronze & Novice
Thurs.: Men's C/D+/D
Location: Ralph Park Ball Diamonds
Ages: 15+
Fee: $380/team
Deadline: April 11
Games start first week of May 2025
