Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department Director Bryant Rasmussen, Monday, told the Parks and Rec Board during their regular monthly meeting, that the wells field trails and trails near the KJAN studios are currently closed as the drifts are still too much for their equipment. He explained some drifts are between four-and five-feet tall, and densely packed. They’ve been trying to plow through them, but the equipment has gotten stuck multiple times. Rasmussen said they’re hoping the sun and warmth of the next few days will speed-up the process.

He mentioned also, the Donation Pay Post at the Schildberg Rec Area Dog Park, has garnered over $450 in donations. The generous donations, will be put back into dog park attractions and maintenance. Some of the new attractions they’re hoping to get installed later this Spring, include agility steps and tire obstacles for dogs to climb through or get on top of. Firestone in Atlantic has graciously donated six tire for the department to use. Parks staff will paint the tires and sink them into the ground so they are secured in-place. (See the example below)

Examples of dog future dog park additions

Bryant said also, his dad Brad put together a goal to raise at least $500 to purchase native plants for additional urban conservation tactics and implements throughout the parks system. With donations from many people, including Bryant’s grandparents, $1,100 has been raised to purchase the necessary pollinator plants and create a berm at Sunnyside Park. Bull Creek is another area destined for colorful native plants.

Signs to be used as mile-markers at the Schildberg Rec Area have been mocked-up for installation later this Spring. The Parks and Rec Board was receptive to one design in particular: a post with the top cut-off at an angle. A metal plate with the mile-marker and other information would be mounted to the post. Single-posts would make it easier for the mowers to get around, too.  In other business, Bryant Rasmussen said they are looking to update the Campground Reservation via online registration and payment. A Pay post will also remain in place.

The same process is being implemented for Park Shelter Reservations. QR Codes will be used to make it easy for those who have reserved a shelter, or who want to reserve a shelter, to see which ones are available through an online calendar. And, Rasmussen said Joe Sonntag has created nesting boxes for birds as part of an Eagle Scout Project.

Joe Sonntag with his completed Eagle Scout bird house project.

There are now four owl nesting boxes, 10 bluebird houses and four bat houses. Some of the bat houses will be place around Sunnyside Park, one will be at the Schildberg Rec Area, and at least one along Bull Creek.

The Bluebird houses will be spread out among different locations, including Sunnyside Park. The project serves as the final requirement in order for Atlantic to be considered a “Bird Friendly” community in Iowa. Once the houses are placed, the City can apply for certification.