2026
Fall & Winter PROGRAM GUIDE
www.fortdodge.gov 617 Central Avenue • Fort Dodge , IA • 515-576-7237
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Table of Contents Staff Directory: Recreation Services____________________________________ 4 Important Contact Information_______________________________________ 4 Social Media__________________________________________________ 4 Policies______________________________________________________ 5 Program Registration Dates_________________________________________ 6 How to Register________________________________________________ 7 Team Formation________________________________________________ 7 League Sponsors________________________________________________ 8 Youth Leagues_______________________________________________ 9-11 Adult League__________________________________________________11 Trail Map__________________________________________________ 12-13 Activities__________________________________________________ 14-15 Special Events______________________________________________ 16-17 Citizen’s Central_________________________________________________18 Staff Directory: Public Areas & Cemeteries Division___________________________19 Cabin & Shelter Rentals_________________________________________ 20-21 Parks & Forestry________________________________________________22
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Recreation Services Staff Directory
Recreation Services Division Hannah Angstrom – Recreation Services Director: hangstrom@fortdodgeiowa.org Chad Graaf – Grounds Superintendent: cgraaf@fortdodgeiowa.org Rich Peterson – Facility & Equipment Supervisor: rpeterson@fortdodgeiowa.org Erin Arndt – Recreation Supervisor: earndt@fortdodgeiowa.org Anne Gleason – Administrative Coordinator: agleason@fortdodgeiowa.org Mary Solverson – Foster Grandparents Program Assistant: msolverson@fortdodgeiowa.org Trevor Dennis – Lakeside Clubhouse Manager: tdennis@fortdodgeiowa.org Ron Bygness – Lakeside Grounds Specialist: rbygness@fortdodgeiowa.org Ryan Zeka – Harlan Grounds Supervisor: rzeka@fortdodgeiowa.org Tom Miller – Sports Turf Technician: tmiller@fortdodgeiowa.org
Important Contact Information Recreation Services – 515-576-7237 Lakeside Golf Course – 515-576-6741 Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center – 515-955-4284
Facebook Pages Fort Dodge Recreation Services Harlan Rogers Sports Complex
Instagram Page
Lakeside Golf Course
@fortdodgeparks1
Fort Dodge Recreation Services Fall & Winter 2026
Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center
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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 Recreation Services.” Please note fees and program dates are subject to change.
Photo & Video Release 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.
Refund/Credit Policy No cash or check refunds will be issued. Refunds for purchases make 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.
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 recreation@fortdodgeiowa.org, and we will unlock/ reset your password. Scholarship Program Thanks to generous sponsors from Baker Electric, Cargill, Fort Dodge Asphalt, Fort Dodge Fiber, CJ Bio, Nestle Purina and Fort Frenzy 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.fortdodge.gov.
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.
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), sexual orientation, political affiliation, genetic information (including family medical history), pregnancy, gender identity, military service, perusal, submission of complaints of any characteristic protected by federal law.
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 Recreation Services. If activities are canceled for that day, we will do our best to reschedule programs but cannot guarantee it.
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Recreation Programs Registration Dates Adult Leagues
Registration Deadline
Youth Leagues
Registration Deadline
Women’s Volleyball
September 11-October 30
Youth Flag Football PreK-Kindergarten Youth Flag Football 1st-2nd Grade Youth Flag Football 3rd-4th Grade Youth Padded Flag Football 5th-6th Grade Youth Volleyball 1st-2nd Grade Youth Volleyball 3rd-6th Grade
NOW - August 14 NOW – August 14 NOW- August 14 NOW-August 14 NOW - August 28 NOW - August 28
Activities
Letters from Santa Tumbling & Cheer Class Science Class
October 3 - November 27 September 8 - October 23 January 4 – February 19
Special Events
Direct Sales Vendor Shows November 14 Daddy Daughter Dance
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Now - September 25 December 11 - January 29
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How to Register for Fort Dodge Recreation Programs: Online:
Mail or Drop Off:
www.fortdodge.gov American Express, Discover, MasterCard & Visa accepted *convenience charge will apply*
Recreation Services Division Citizen’s Central 617 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Create an Account: www.fortdodge.gov
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. 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 • Random Teams - All Spring/Summer leagues will have random teams not based on schools. Team sizes will be determined by the number of coaches we have.
Volunteer Coaching
If you’re interested in coaching your children’s team, we have an incentive for you. At the conclusion of the season the head coach will receive a refund to your Recreation Services account the full league amount. This is the coach that leads the team, does team communication and attends all meeting times.
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Thank you to our generous League Sponsors!
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Youth Football 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 a modified field size. *T-shirt included **Mouthguard required** Games and Skills Practice will be on weeknights REGISTRATION: DATES: TIME: LOCATION:
NOW - August 14 August- September Three weeks of skills practice, 2 weeks of games Harlan Rogers Sports Complex- Diamond 4, 5, 6
Youth Flag Football (Grades 1st-2nd) $45
Learning the basics of flag football while having fun! Volunteer/Staff coach lead. Practice and games on weeknights. **Mouthguard required** *T-shirt Included
REGISTRATION: DATES: TIME: LOCATION:
NOW - August 14 August- September Weeknight evening practices and games Harlan Rogers Sports Complex- Diamond 4, 5, 6
Youth Flag Football (Grades 3rd-4th) $50
A little bit more advanced side of football, where more in depth offense and defense are taught! Volunteer/Staff coach lead. Practice and games on weeknights. **Mouthguard required** *T-shirt Included REGISTRATION: DATES: TIME: LOCATION:
NOW - August 14 August- September Weeknight evening practices and games Harlan Rogers Sports Complex
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Youth Football 1st-4th Flag Football Preseason clinics
DATE: TIME: LOCATION:
Early August TBD Dodger Stadium
(included in registration cost)
Youth Flag Football (Grades 5th- 6th)
$100
A game of flag football, with pads! Adding in a more realistic play of football for this level. Volunteer/ Staff coach lead. Practice and games on weeknights. **Mouthguard required** *T-shirt Included REGISTRATION: DATES: TIME: LOCATION:
NOW - August 14 August- September Weeknight evening practices and games Dodger Stadium Practice Fields
5-6th Flag Football Preseason clinics DATE: TIME: LOCATION:
Early August TBD Dodger Stadium
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(included in registration cost)
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Youth Volleyball Volleyball 1st-2nd Grade
$40
Fundamentals of basic volleyball skills! Join us in learning how to pass, set, and spike! Three weeks of practice and two weeks of games. These teams will be led by Recreation Services Part-time staff. Volunteers are always welcome! T-shirt included
REGISTRATION: DATES: TIME: LOCATION:
NOW – August 28 September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8 5:30-7:30 p.m. TBD
Volleyball 3rd-6th Grade
$45
Fundamentals of basic volleyball skills! Join us in learning how to pass, set, and spike! Three weeks of practice and two weeks of games. These teams will be led by Recreation Services Part-time staff. Volunteers are always welcome! T-shirt included REGISTRATION: DATES: TIME: LOCATION:
NOW – August 28 September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15 & 22 5:30-7:30 p.m. TBD
Adult League Women’s Volleyball
$200/team
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 Dates: Sundays, November 8, 15, 29, December 6, 13, 20 January 3, 10, 17
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Activities 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: LETTERS SENT:
October 3 - November 30 Before December 15
Tumbling & Cheer Class
$20
Dance, flip, cheer, and move! Join the FDSH Cheerleaders as they lead this fun class! T-shirt included Registration Date: September 8 - October 23 Date: Wednesdays in November 4-December 2 (excludes Thanksgiving week) Time: 5:30-6:00pm Location: Citizen’s Central
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Activities 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 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: Class Dates: Class Time: Location:
January 4 - February 19 March 2, 9, 16, 23 5:30pm-6:15pm Citizen’s Central
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Special Events Citizens’ Central Vendor Shows
FREE
Join us down at Citizen’s Central for various vendor show at Citizen’s Central with all the homemade goods you can find from right here in Fort Dodge & surrounding areas! This event is free to the public! To become a vendor, email Alexis at awolfe@fortdodgeiowa.org & she will provide you with all the necessary information/paperwork. Dates: Time: Location: Cost:
November 14, 2026 9:00am-3:00pm Citizen’s Central FREE to Public, Pre-Registration Required for Vendors ($40 or $45 – for electrical)
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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: Date: Time: Location: Cost:
December 11 - January 29 Sunday, February 7 4:00-6:00pm TBD $45 for one child, $70 for two children, $85 for three children
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Citizen’s Central 617 Central Ave 515-576-7237 agleason@fortdodgeiowa.org Citizen’s Central offers an Exercise room with treadmills, stationary bicycles and free weights as well as a game room that includes board games, pool table and a snooker table.
USER FEE OPTIONS
User Fee: • • •
$50 Pool room Exercise equipment Volunteer/video lead classes
Daily Fee: • •
$5 Pool room 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 apool 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 10:00am-4:00pm
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Public Areas & Cemeteries Division Staff Directory Public Areas & Cemeteries
515-573-5791 2201 N. 15th Street
Aaron Steburg – Public Areas Director: asteburg@fortdodgeiowa.org Jason Jones – Public Areas Supervisor: jjones@fortdodgeiowa.org Ryan Ziems – City Forester Aaron Claus – Forestry Technician Blaine Buhr – Forestry Maintenance Nyles Johnson – Forestry Maintenance Morgan Hansen – Public Areas & Streetscape Maintenance Andrea Richardson –Cemetery Supervisor: arichardson@fortdodgeiowa.org Craig Bickford – Cemetery Maintenance Chris Meyer – Cemetery & Forestry Maintenance Jessica Merritt – Public Areas Receptionist: jmerritt@fortdodgeiowa.org
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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: $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
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Rentals
Oleson Park Pavilion - Donna Jean Monkelien Pavilion
The newest enclosed shelter located at Oleson Park. Allowed for 60-75 capacity with 4-8 ft. square folding tables and 8-5 ft. round tables. The Shelter also has a kitchenette with both a refrigerator & microwave, serving area, heat/air conditioner, handicap accessible bathroom, and an outside patio area with grill! Location: Oleson Park Date: Year-round enclosed cabin Price: Friday - Sunday & Holidays $285/day Price: Monday - Thursday $160/day Security Deposit: $285 (cash or check)
How to Reserve Cabins/Shelters/Pavillions 1. Online: www.fortdodge.gov
2. In-Person: Public Areas Division at Northlawn Cemetery - Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm - 2201 N 15th Street, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 3. Over the Phone: 515-573-5791 - Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm We do not manage all enclosed shelters around the Fort Dodge area. Bob Heun Shelter (Kennedy Park), email: www.mycountyparks.com Izaak Walton “Lion’s Den” Shelter, please call 515-576-0623 Dolliver State Park, please call 515-359-2539
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Parks & Forestry
2201 N 25th St. • 515-573-5791 • 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.fortdodge.gov to see all of our parks. 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
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
Knollcrest Park 10th Avenue North & 30th Street Amenities: playground, open shelter, trail connectivity, and open green space
Leif Erickson Park Avenue F & E Street Amenities: playground, open shelter, 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
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
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
Reynolds Park 3rd Avenue North & 17th Street Amenities: playground, and open green space
R.D. Mitchell Park 2nd Avenue North & 25th Street Amenities: playground, open shelter, 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
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
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Sat, Jul 25
Adult 14+ Class: Watercolor Abstraction Kids Watercolor Geodes
Tue, Aug 18
Kids Camp, Polymer Clay Miniatures
Sat, Aug 01
Sat, Aug 08
Adult Printmaking
Adult Class 14-: Iowa Landscape Acrylic Painting
Kids Paper Collage Creations!
Sat, Aug 29
Sat, Sep 05
Adult (14+) Acrylic Fruit Exploration
Free Art Saturday
Cardboard Bugs and more!
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Tue, Aug 11
Kids Art Pop Up: Hand Painted Tote Bags
Sat, Sep 12
Adult 14+ Kitchen Lithography Kids class: Learn to draw like Neon!
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