The Nishna Valley Family YMCA Staff and Board of Directors hosted a “Community Discussion” on the future of “recreation and quality of life” in Atlantic and the surrounding area. Approximately 76 people attended the event, which was held at the Cass County Community Building, and broadcast live on KJAN TV. (The program is archived and available to view by using the “On Demand” tab on the KJAN TV link)

Among the speakers was Cass County Health System CEO Brett Altman, who mentioned what CCHS does to “sell prospective employees on Atlantic,” which includes physical and comprehensive mental health services. He said “Cass County is the best kept secret in Iowa,” keeping in mind the two 18-hole golf courses, disc golf, proximity to the Interstate, trails, pickle ball, and “one of the nicest airports in Iowa. Especially for a community our size.” Some physicians either fly or want to learn to fly, and “having a top notch airport,” helps in drawing them to the area. He also mentioned places like The Hitchcock House, “an awesome county fair,” safe neighborhoods and more.

Atlantic Parks and Recreation  Department Director Bryant Rasmussen spoke about all the park amenities, activities/equipment available and media promotion efforts. He said there is equipment available free from the Parks & Rec for 33 different activities. The Parks Board, he said, continues to focus on amenities, both improving the current attractions and planning for the future.

Cass County Conservation Department Naturalist Lora Kanning they are reviewing and updating the current county-wide trails plan. She and Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh talked about a trail survey. Hoegh said the survey results they’ve already examined show some people lack knowledge of the trails, so a trails map was created and is available at the Chamber, at area libraries and casscountyia.gov.

A suggestion was made to put more effort on marketing the amenities Atlantic and Cass County have, to draw more professionals and families. Others said the number of empty buildings in Atlantic, the lack of housing and lack of a variety of restaurants should be improved upon to draw others to the community. Nishna Valley YMCA Director Dan Haynes spoke during the meeting, about making Atlantic a “regional hub” for family activities. Others suggested tying outlying communities into that hub, and incorporating them as “spoke” for additional activities. Locally, that could included incorporating a Children’s Museum into the YMCA that would have all sorts of family activities, including those that incorporating STEM, a Senior Space, and more.

Haynes also floated the idea of a $1.2-million retractable dome over amenities that could include a “lazy river,” splash park, young children’s/young adults area, and more.

The dome would make the facilities available nearly year around, in all types of weather. There were concerns about taking over a good chunk of parking space for such a facility, though. Some audience members also expressed concern a large facility would take away from the outdoor pool at Sunnyside Park.

Atlantic City Councilperson Grace Garrett described Atlantic as a “Gold nugget,” that has so much to offer, and that our next steps forward will serve to enhance the future for us.

Toward the end of the meeting, a list of the top suggestions to improve recreational activities AND quality of life in Atlantic, was compiled. Participants listed what they would like to see, by order of popularity (most to least favorite).  The results will be released after they are tabulated.