Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: The new pavilion in the Corridor Plaza area of Fort Dodge continues to move closer to completion.

Editor’s note: This is the first in a multi-part series examining the first-hand benefits of the new Pavilion complex at the Corridor Plaza in Fort Dodge. Here, Ryan Maehl discusses the advantages the facility will offer the basketball community.

The Pavilion is a game-changer for the sports enthusiasts and travel ball families of Fort Dodge. Its impressive design, including five full basketball courts, sets the stage for an action-packed experience, whether you are a player, coach, or spectator. This facility’s sheer scale and capacity will create opportunities for larger tournaments, drawing athletes and fans from all over Iowa and the Midwest, fostering a sense of community and competition.

What truly makes the Pavilion stand out is its efficiency. All the action happens under one roof. This facility replicates metro area amenities that Fort Dodgers have only experienced after packing up the car and traveling to a bigger community. Gone are the days of juggling multiple locations for games. Everything is centralized, which streamlines scheduling and operations and enhances the overall experience for players and fans.

The Pavilion offers convenience that outshines traditional options in Fort Dodge. One of the standout features is the extended availability of hours. Unlike school gyms, which are restricted by their extracurricular activities, the Pavilion is designed to cater to the users first, which means more opportunities for practice, games, and training sessions, even options right after the school day ends. This abundance of courts allows more teams and players to use the facility at once and enables larger events, like tournaments and leagues, to run seamlessly.

And let’s not forget the perks off the court. The Pavilion’s prime location makes exploring nearby walkable food establishments easy, perfect for the post-game celebrations or quick bite between games. Whether you are grabbing a coffee, hitting the stores for some shopping, or indulging in a well-deserved treat, the surrounding areas add an extra layer of enjoyment to the Pavilion experience.

Overall, the Pavilion is not just a basketball complex; it is a hub of excitement, community, and convenience that promises unforgettable moments both on and off the court and a solution for smoother, more efficient sports experiences. More hours, more courts, and fewer scheduling headaches mean more time to focus on the love of the game.

Over the years, through basketball, I have traveled short distances to our small neighboring schools, to good-sized facilities in large Iowa cities, extremely large venues around the Midwest, and to the biggest national tournaments. My cumulative experiences as a player, coach, and parent form the foundation of my basketball knowledge.

As a former all-state basketball player at Fort Dodge Senior High and a travel player myself, I learned firsthand what it takes to perform at a high level — both physical commitment and mental toughness. Competing locally and state-wide through AAU travel teams honed my skills, fueled my competitive spirit, and gave me a profound appreciation for the game’s intricacies.

Transitioning from player to coach allowed me to channel my passion into leadership. I intentionally moved around, making coaching stops at Waukee, West Des Moines Valley, Galva-Holstein, Southeast Webster, and Fort Dodge. Each stop teamed me with high-quality mentors and experienced coaches from whom I constantly learned more about the game. Coaching has been as rewarding as it has been challenging, and coaching so many kids from Fort Dodge has been a blessing. Seeing so many on varsity rosters at St Edmond and Fort Dodge Senior High is humbling. I can only imagine how much more could have been done if the Pavilion and its options existed when I started coaching my kids.

Adding another layer to my basketball resume is my role as a parent of four children, all deeply involved in basketball. Each child has navigated their own path, but all have a commonality of being coached by their dad at some point. This journey has deepened my connection with the game and my children and brought new perspectives as I witnessed their growth and development on the court.

My basketball journey is vast and diverse, shaped by years of dedication, experience, and deep love for the game. Basketball is more than a sport to me; it’s a lifelong journey filled with opportunities to make lasting connections, valuable life lessons, and unimaginable memories. Now, the Pavilion will bring that to our backyard!

A unique pride comes with being from Fort Dodge — a sense of community, resilience, and shared love for our rich basketball history. Fort Dodge basketball is more than just a game; it’s a tradition, a source of inspiration, and a symbol of what hard work and determination can achieve. Whether you are a Dodger or a Gael, there is a collective drive to represent our hometown with grit and heart, reminding everyone that greatness isn’t reserved for the metro areas alone.

The Pavilion is a testament to our community’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes. It is not just a space; it’s an opportunity. It provides kids with the resources, facilities, and mentorship they need to develop their skills, build confidence, and dream big. It’s here that early morning and late-night practices take place, countless hours of dedication that lay the foundation for future state championship runs. The Pavilion proves that Fort Dodge is invested in its youth and believes in their potential to compete and win at the highest levels.

Here in Fort Dodge, we take pride in knowing that the good stuff isn’t just found in the bigger cities. It’s right here in our hardworking community, where passion and purpose come together to create something special. This is our home; through basketball, we’ll continue to show the world what Fort Dodge is all about. With this new facility, we are not just keeping up — we are setting a new standard. This is our time. This is our court. And the future of basketball in Fort Dodge just got a whole lot brighter.

Ryan Maehl is the Assistant to the City Manager in Fort Dodge. He and his wife, Rachel, have four children who play basketball: Lainey, LJ, Brody and Blakely.