Important LinksAdd Members to AccountEmployment OpportunitiesCommunity RecreationParks & TrailsForestryCemeteriesFoster GrandparentsCitizen's CentralRosedale Rapids Aquatic CenterOleson Park SplashpadLakeside Municipal Golf CourseHarlan & Hazel Rogers Sports ComplexParks & Recreation Boards
- News
- Services
- Links
- Map of Oakland Cemetery
- Citizen's Central Community Connections
- Rogers Sports Complex Facilities Map
- Severe Weather Procedures
- Rogers Sports Complex Field Dimension Guide
- Playground Structures
- Rosedale Rapids Frequently Asked Questions
- Webster County Conservation and City of Fort Dodge Wayfinding Design Guidelines
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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 Parks & Recreation Department 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 Parks and Recreation Department cancels programs or rentals, a full refund will be issued to your Parks & Recreation 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 Parks & Recreation 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.
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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 or 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.
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City of Fort Dodge Parks & Trails information
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Park Rules & Regulations
The City of Fort Dodge parks are open from sunrise to 10:30 pm every day. We need your help to keep our parks safe and enjoyable for all. Please keep the following in mind when using your parks:
- Please drive only on established roadways. No parking on the grass.
- Fires are only allowed in designated areas
- No dogs shall run at large in any city park. Leashes of no more than 6 feet should be used. Please pick up after your pet utilizing the dog waste bags available in our parks.
- Please respect trees, shrubs, and plants in all parks.
- Please remove all litter and trash when you leave the park.
- No green dumping in the parks. Green dumping includes leaves, brush, grass clippings, and limbs.
- Please report acts of vandalism to the police or Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department at 515-576-7237.
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Fort Dodge City Parks - Click Here for Interactive Map
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Fort Dodge City Parks - Click Here for Park Inventory
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Public Trail Information - What you will see:
- Information kiosk panels will be located at 4 different trailheads throughout the city/county trail system that include system-wide trail maps and site-specific information both historical and modern-day pieces
- Information panels will be located at 7 points along the trail network highlighting the site-specific information and trail loop
- Trail markers will be located every ½ mile within the trail system with 911 emergency locations
- Directional markers will also be located at trail intersections to assist bikers and walkers to community destinations
- Addition of trail art
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Public Hike & Bike Trails (2025) - Click Here for Trail Map
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Memorials
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.
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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.
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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 Parks & Recreation Department 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 Parks and Recreation Department cancels programs or rentals, a full refund will be issued to your Parks & Recreation 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 Parks & Recreation 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.
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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 or 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.
Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation & Forestry is proud to provide a full-service Forestry Department.<>
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Fort Dodge Forestry Services Include:- Trim and/or prune city/public right-of-way (parking trees)
- Remove dead, dying, hazardous, or diseased trees from the parking or other city property
- Grind out and remove stumps from the parking and city property and refill holes with black dirt
- Other miscellaneous care of cracked and/or injured trees
- Provide general information regarding insect/disease problems infecting trees
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Tree trimming in the city limits; is the City responsible?The City of Fort Dodge retains a full-time Forester on the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department. The City is responsible for trimming and removing trees, at the Forester's discretion, on city property, city streets, alleys, and on parking areas. The city is NOT responsible for trees on private property under any situation.
To view the City of Fort Dodge's Licensed Tree Surgeons Click Here: Licensed Tree Surgeons
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Tree Trimming and/or Tree Removal within Public-of-Way:
Text "Tree" to 515-408-9888 and follow the prompts
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Planting within the Public Right-of-Way; What are my options?
Citizens are encouraged to contact the Forestry Department at 515-576-7237 before they plant any trees, bushes, or anything other than grass and low ground cover in the city's right-of-ways. Some trees are not approved for right-of-way planting. Citizens should be aware that anything planted in the City right-of-way can be removed for construction or maintenance.
Approved Trees and Checklist of Tree Planting within the Public Right-of-Way Click Here: Tree Planting Guide
To purchase and plant a tree in remembrance of a loved one Click Here: Tree Memorial Form
To view the City of Fort Dodge's burning regulations Click Here: Burning Regulations
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Fort Dodge was awarded a grant through Mid-American Energy's Trees Please! program<>
What is the Trees Please! Program?
Fort Dodge, Iowa – (April 9, 2021) – MidAmerican Energy Company presented a $1,200 check to Fort Dodge as part of the company’s “Trees Please!” energy-efficient program last week.
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The grant will help fund Fort Dodge’s purchase of 35 bare-root trees. The first planting project is planned for Arbor Day as a joint effort with the local Mid-American Energy and Fort Dodge Parks & Rec Department. With the help of volunteers, some of the trees will be planted at the Welcome to Fort Dodge sign on P-59. Other trees will be planted in city-owned properties and community green spaces throughout the summer and fall.
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MidAmerican selected grant recipients based on each project’s merits, its community benefits, and the applicant’s ability to obtain matching funds.
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Trees provide several benefits. They can help improve energy efficiency when part of an energy-efficient landscape design. Trees in the winter months can serve as natural windbreaks and in the summer months, they can provide shade to homes and businesses. Planting trees also improves air quality, helps protect and nourish soil, and beautifies communities.
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For more information about the “Trees Please!” program, go to MidAmerican Energy’s “Trees Please!” web page at https://www.midamericanenergy.com/iowa-treesplease or call 800-434-4017.
Wish to locate your loved one in our records? ...click Here to begin your search.
*Please note that the records we received may not be fully accurate or complete. Our department continues to make corrections and additions as information becomes available. If you find inaccurate information, please contact us at (515) 576-7237 ext 1217 or email cemeteries@fortdodgeiowa.org.
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We provide floral arrangements and placement for
your loved ones at all three cemeteries.
Contact our office at 515-576-7237 or email cemeteries@fortdodgeiowa.org to place your order today.
View our purple flyer or white flyer for some of our selections.
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Fall 2025 Clean-Off Week
Begins Wed, October 1st, 2025
ALL FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS in city cemeteries will be respectfully removed and discarded during Clean-Off Week.
This includes:
- Saddles, wreaths, floral arrangements (even those in permanent bases)
- Weathered American flags
- Non-compliant decorations such as ornaments, toys, signs, garden flags and holders
- Wind spinners and non-integral vases or statues
If you'd like to keep any items, please remove them before Wednesday, October 1.
Starting Tuesday, October 7, fall and winter decorations will be permitted again. Acceptable items include saddles, wreaths and floral arrangements in permanent vases only.
Looking Ahead:
Spring 2026 Clean Off Week will begin April 1st, 2026
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Oakland - North Lawn - Memorial Park
Cemetery Information
The City of Fort Dodge Cemeteries Division is the caretaker of the grounds and curator of the records for Oakland Cemetery, North Lawn Cemetery and Memorial Park Cemetery. For burial requests or information on burial records, please email at cemeteries@fortdodgeiowa.org or call 515-576-7237 ext 1217.
To view our prices, products and services, click the links below:
We continue to work on streamlining the rules and policies across our cemeteries following the acquisition of North Lawn in May 2024, we appreciate your patience.
3242 5th Ave S, Fort Dodge
Memorial Park Cemetery was placed in the City of Fort Dodge's care in July 2019 and attained ownership in December 2020.
Memorial Park Cemetery Map, Click Here
Rules for Memorial Park Cemetery, Click Here
2201 N 15th St, Fort Dodge
North Lawn Cemetery was donated to the City of Fort Dodge as of May 7th, 2024. As staff familiarizes themselves with the operations of the cemetery, more information will be adding.
North Lawn Cemetery Map, Click Here
Oakland Cemetery
1617 N 15th St, Fort Dodge
Oakland Cemetery is one of the oldest and most historic burial grounds in Fort Dodge. The cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in September 2000.
Oakland Cemetery Map, Click Here
Bridging the gap between generations to help develop kids who are caring and confident learners.
About the Program
The Fort Dodge Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) has been in existence in Iowa since 1973. According to Volunteering in America, Iowa ranks fourth in the nation in volunteering with 1,022,936 volunteers per year and 56.2million hours of service.
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Volunteer Focus
Volunteers focus on helping children meet their developmental and educational needs in reading, spelling, mathematics, writing, and social skills.
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Foster Grandparent Program is to bring together persons 55+ and young students in specific ways that help each to grow in giving, caring, and learning.
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Eligibility
To be eligible for the Foster Grandparent Program you must be at least 55 years of age, meet an income guideline to receive a stipend, and like being with and helping children.
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Service Area
Currently, 16 seniors volunteer in the program, working primarily with children in K-3rd Grade at 7 sites in the communities of Dayton, Farnhamville, and Fort Dodge. The grandparent volunteers annually give back approximately 17,000 hours of service to our local children.
The program serves children at:
- Butler Elementary School
- Duncombe Elementary School
- Feelhaver Elementary School
- Early Childhood Center
- Head Start
- Elementary in Farnhamville
- Elementary in Dayton
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Citizen's Central--A Community Center operated through Fort Dodge Parks, Recreation & Forestry which offers activities for adults on weekdays, as well as opportunities for all ages through special events and rental opportunities.
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Citizen's Central is located at 617 Central Avenue
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Daily Activities
Video Yoga:
```-We play a yoga-instructed DVD for those who wish to come in and do yoga in a group
```- Wednesday and Friday: 9:00am-9:45am
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Volunteer Lead Exercise Class:
```-Strength and Balance
```-Tuesday and Thursday: 9:00am-10:00am
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Pool Players:
```-Players that have been playing here over the years. We have a pool table and a snooker table.
```-Monday and Wednesday: 1:00pm-4:00pm
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New Pool User:
```- We are inviting those in who wish to play pool but haven't used our facility before.
```-Tuesday and Thursday: 1:00pm-4:00pm
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Open Exercise:
```- We have an exercise room with weights as well as machines that users can come in and use.
```-Monday through Friday: 9:00am-4:00pm
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User Fee Options
*All prices are subject to change if needed at any point*
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General User Fee: $50
*Valid for 1 year from the date of purchase
Includes:
``` -General building activities
``` -Exercise Equipment
``` -Volunteer/Movie lead classes
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Daily Fee: $5
Includes:
``` -General building activities, cards, BINGO, etc.
``` -Exercise Equipment
``` -Volunteer/Movie lead classes
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Facility Rental Information
Dining Room Rentals
*Friday, Saturday, and Sunday ONLY
``` -$215 (4 total hours) Kitchen Included
``` -$275 (8 total hours) Kitchen Included
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Meeting Space
*Business Hours 8:00am-4:30pm
``` -$15 per hour (Minimum of 2 Hours)
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Meeting Space
*Outside of Business Hours
``` - $30 per hour (Minimum of 2 Hours)
Deposits for Rentals
```-$100 (Weekend and Outside of Business Hours)
```-$100 Alcohol Deposit
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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 Parks & Recreation Department 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 Parks and Recreation Department cancels programs or rentals, a full refund will be issued to your Parks & Recreation 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 Parks & Recreation 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.
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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.
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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 Parks & Recreation Department 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 Parks and Recreation Department cancels programs or rentals, a full refund will be issued to your Parks & Recreation 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 Parks & Recreation 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.
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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.
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Hours of Operation
Seven days a week weather permitting, will close in case of bad weather at the discretion of staff. If weather watches are issued, the splashpad will be closed. Re-opening will be determined by the time of day.
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Sunday............11:00am - 6:00pm
Monday............11:00am - 8:00pm
Tuesday...........11:00am - 8:00pm
Wednesday......11:00am - 8:00pm
Thursday..........11:00am - 6:00pm
Friday...............11:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday...........11:00am - 8:00pm
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*Staff reserves the right to modify if necessary without notice.
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What is a Splashpad?
A splashpad is an area for water play with no standing water. The water in the system is recycled/treated water that is treated to at least the same level of quality as swimming pool water standards. To help us in keeping our public aquatic facilities clean, we ask that swim diapers be worn at all times, those with diarrhea refrain from playing in the water, and we all do our part NOT to encourage the drinking of pool/splashpad water.
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Splashpad Rules:
- The splashpad is not supervised
- Swimsuits are required for play in the splashpad
- Pets need to be outside of the fenced area
- Swim diapers are required
- Walk please - not responsible for injury incurred while running
- Street shoes are not allowed in the water
- This is a smoke-free environment
- Avoid chewing gum in the splashpad
- All bikes must stay outside of the fenced-in area
- Plastic containers only
- Parents and adults, please help enforce our safe play rules
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Rent the Oleson Park Splashpad:
Great for company parties, family reunions, and BIRTHDAY PARTIES! Give your guests an experience to remember. The Oleson Park Splashpad is available for rental on Thursdays and Sundays from 6:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday mornings from 9:00am-11:00am.
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For more information contact Jessica at 515-576-7237 or parks@fortdodgeiowa.org.
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Splashpad Reservation Form - Click Here
When the Splashpad is reserved for a private event, it is closed to the public and a notice is posted at the facility.
When the Splashpad is reserved for a private event, it is closed to the public and a notice is posted at the facility.
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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 Parks & Recreation Department 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 Parks and Recreation Department cancels programs or rentals, a full refund will be issued to your Parks & Recreation 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 Parks & Recreation 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.
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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 or 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.
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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 Parks & Recreation Department 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 Parks and Recreation Department cancels programs or rentals, a full refund will be issued to your Parks & Recreation 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 Parks & Recreation 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.
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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 or 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.
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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 Parks & Recreation Department 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 Parks and Recreation Department cancels programs or rentals, a full refund will be issued to your Parks & Recreation 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 Parks & Recreation 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.
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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 or 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.
The Parks & Recreation Commission
Commission advises City Council members on the needed facilities to provide open space, such as parks, playgrounds and community facilities, and for other forms of recreation.
The Fort Dodge Parks & Recreation Commission meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Seven members serve 5 year terms and are appointed by the Mayor with approval from the City Council. The commission governs rules and regulations for use of parks, as well as recreational facilities and recreation programs.
Specific Powers and Duties:
Update and revise plans as required, set fees for recreational programs, make recommendations for Council for changes in Parks or Recreation.
Update and revise plans as required, set fees for recreational programs, make recommendations for Council for changes in Parks or Recreation.
*Anyone wishing to apply for this commission may contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 576-7237 or print off an application form located under the "Links" tab.
| Commission Member | Term Expires |
| Mark Campbell, Vice Chair |
8/31/2022 |
| Josh Calvert | 6/30/2024 |
| Sarah Horn | |
| Mary Jo Kirby | 8/31/2020 |
| Nik Moser | 8/31/2024 |
| Michael Payne, Chair | 6/30/2020 |
The Park Foundation
The Park Foundation meets annually in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Twelve members serve on the board.
The Foundation members value green space within our community with the objective of strengthening and enhancing the park system in Fort Dodge. Past projects include restoration of Loomis Boathouse cabin, construction of modern restroom and park restoration.
All gifts, contributions and donations to help support our parks are tax deductible.
Donations can be mailed to:
Fort Dodge Park Foundation
PO Box 177
Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
Fort Dodge Park Foundation
PO Box 177
Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
| Foundation Member | Role |
| Lori Branderhorst, PRF Director | |
| Carolyn Brandt | |
| Jeff Becker | President |
| Dan Garst | |
| Tim Holstrom | Treasurer |
| Mary Jo Kirby | Secretary |
| Matt Maggio | |
| Bonnie Pecka |
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| Tom Sullivan |
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