With summer just around the corner and some restrictions being lifted in Iowa, the Fort Dodge Parks and Recreation Department is offering a number of opportunities to get outside.

Starting on Friday, the Parks and Recreation will begin their “In-Motion Marathon.” Interested participants may register online on the Parks and Rec website.

“We want to get people out and moving,” said Parks and Recreation Technician Erin Habben. “They will be able to run, bike, skip, and hike all while counting their miles.

“They can log on to the website and register.”

Everyone registered before May 29 will receive a free t-shirt. The cost is $10 for anyone 11-and-under, and $15 for participants 12-and-up.

Entrants do not have to live in Fort Dodge to sign up, and for every 10 registrations, a fitness-focused prize will be given away in both age divisions.

“Once registered, you can print it off and take a picture of your miles and email (ehabben@fortdodgeiowa.org) me to get entered for prizes,” Habben said.

The event will last until June 12. Everyone that registers will need to log all 26.2 (approximately one mile per day) of their miles on the website: https://www.fortdodgeiowa.org/egov/documents/1589294545_31104.pdf

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Parks and Rec Department has been offering activities on their Facebook page for anyone to do complete. There are family-related ideas and outdoor activities for all ages to complete.

The Parks and Rec Department has also opened Rogers Park for Field Days on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, which officially begins today.

“We wanted to open a place so people could come out and use our facilities,” said Recreation Superintendent Hannah Angstrom. “Anyone wanting to use the fields must call and register a time and follow the rules for ‘Field Day.'”

To see the list of specifications and regulations, contact the Parks and Rec Department at (515) 576-7237, or check out the Harlan Rogers Sports Complex Facebook page.

Tuesdays are registered for girls players sixth grade (completed) and lower, and Thursdays will be for boys seventh grade (completed) and lower. Saturdays will be a family day.

With summer just around the corner, the Parks and Rec Department hasn’t solidify an opening day for Rosedale Rapids as of yet.

“The governor still has (waterparks) closed, so we are still looking at our options before we can make any official decision,” Angstrom said. “We have been having meetings and looking at the potential starting point for an opening.

“It’s just a waiting game right now.”