The large shelter, capable of seating 200 people, will be located at the west end of Central Avenue just south of the Matt Cosgrove River’s Edge Discovery Center. It will be easily visible to anyone heading down Central Avenue from the City Square to the Des Moines River.

The City Council in December hired Jensen Builders Ltd., of Fort Dodge, to build it at a cost of $1,635,795.

The work will also include construction of a restroom building, trellis and swings, sidewalks and storm sewers.

Fort Dodge and Webster County have received a $400,000 state Community Attraction and Tourism Grant to help pay for it.

-Submitted image
This rendering shows a large pavilion planned for the riverfront at the west end of Central Avenue in downtown Fort Dodge. It could be used for community celebrations or private events, and will be capable of seating about 300 people. A state board awarded a $400,000 state grant in April 2024 to help pay for it.

“Fort Dodge was a community that was founded on its river,” said Matt Cosgrove, director of Webster County Conservation. “This is a return to the river.”

“People just like to spend time near the water,” he added.

He said the project is an investment in recruiting and retaining workers in the area.

The large pavilion is envisioned as a place for festivals and other special community events. It could also be rented for private events.

Cosgrove said it will be the first thing people see as they come down the hill on Central Avenue toward the Des Moines River.

Construction of the big pavilion is one element of a larger effort to draw people to the riverfront in Fort Dodge. Other features in that effort include the Matt Cosgrove River’s Edge Discovery Center, a playscape, fishing jetties and trails.

Improvements to the boat ramp that is below and north of the Kenyon Road Bridge are envisioned. In addition to upgrading the boat ramp itself, the project will include construction of a small picnic pavilion, a bathroom building and a parking lot. Work on that project may start this summer.