From the Cheap Seats: Heads up if you are going to the state cross-country meet

By Ryan Stonebraker
Sports Editor

  For the first time since I have been here at the Tipton Conservative, there is a change at this year’s state cross-country meet that will affect everyone from runners to fans and those in between.
  Due to soaking rains earlier this month, and wet conditions in the Fort Dodge area around Kennedy Park and Lakeside Golf Course, parking for the 2018 state cross-country championships has changed.  The following is a message from the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union:
  The following changes in regards to parking at the 2018 State Cross-Country Championships are as follows: NO Parking will be allowed inside Kennedy Park due to wet grounds, and farmer fields are NOT available this year.

State Meet Spectators:

1. Shuttle services are available for all general parking. Shuttle service will run from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.

2. A $10 per vehicle charge for parking and transportation. Plan for a 60-90 minute transport time from the parking lot to Kennedy Park.

3. Farmer fields are NOT available this year to park in.

4. Drop-off and pick-up zone will be within Kennedy Park. Follow the directions for entry.

5. No setup or tailgating is allowed, unless authorized by the IHSAA/IGHSAU and a parking pass is used. All team tailgating supplies such as food or tents must be transported by vehicle in possession of an IHSAA/IGHSAU pass.

6. There is no roadside parking. Cars parked on roads around Kennedy Park will be towed.

Handicap accessible parking:

1. Handicap parking will be available at Kennedy Park. You must provide and display an appropriate license or hangtag.

2. Handicap parking zone will be at the Lakeside Golf Course parking lot by the clubhouse.

3. A $10 fee will be collected on-site.

  There will be four locations for shuttles provided for spectators. Shuttles will run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 27. A $10 fee for parking and transportation will be collected upon entry into lots assigned for shuttles.
  Shuttles and lots will be color-coded. Remember to return on the bus with your color shown. You may park at any of the four lots and ride any shuttle to arrive at Kennedy Park.

Shuttle Locations:

1. Harlan Rogers Sports Complex, 1614 Nelson Avenue - RED LOT. This lot is recommended if you are arriving from the North on Nelson Avenue or west on D-14.

2. Rosedale Rapids, 1111 North 32nd Street - BLUE LOT. This lot is recommended if you are arriving from the South on 32nd Street or East on 190th Street.

3. Ford Dodge Middle School, 800 North 32nd Street - GREEN LOT. This lot is recommended if you are arriving from the South on 32nd Street or West on 10th Avenue North.

4. Fort Dodge Senior High School, 801 North 25th Street - BLACK LOT. This lot is recommended if arriving from the West via Highway 20.