(Atlantic, Iowa) – Members of the City of Atlantic’s Parks and Recreation Department Board met Monday evening at City Hall. Parks and Rec Director Bryant Rasmussen reminds the public a Scarecrow Contest is underway in downtown Atlantic. For $20, people can rent a pole downtown and decorate with a scarecrow. The deadline to reserve a pole with the Chamber passed as of today (Monday, Oct. 18). All the proceeds benefit the Atlantic Food Pantry. Spectators can vote for their favorite scarecrow by making a monetary donation, located at the chamber. Votes must be cast between Oct 18th-31st.

A reminder also, of this weekend’s “Tour de Parks” bike ride. The ride will start and end at Sunnyside park and is about 9.5 miles, but it is broken into 6 stages and goes past all the different parks in Atlantic. Come do all the stages or just do a few. Come enjoy great conversation and learn more about the great things happening in the area. There will be local organizations along the route with free goodies and giveaways showcasing many upcoming events. The Parks and Recreation Department has bikes and helmets you can use free of charge. If you have questions, please contact the Parks and Rec Office at (712) 243-3542.

Another event Bryant spoke about during the Parks and Rec Board Monday, is the Lions Club Pancake Supper from 4:30-until 7-p.m. Nov. 11.  The event takes place inside the Atlantic Community Building on the Cass County Fairgrounds. The cost is $7 per person for adults, children 12 and under at $5.00. Rasmussen said all the proceeds will be used toward the purchase of “inclusive playground equipment” for one of the City’s Park. One of the sites they’re looking at more specifically, is the Schildberg Recreation Area. Inclusive parks and ADA accessible, but designed for everyone.

Along that same line, Bryant Rasmussen said Atlantic Kiwanis and Lions Club members this past Saturday added more pea gravel around the various park playground equipment, as part of the service project day. Bryant says prior to the added gravel, the amount of fall material designed to protect kids against injury, was “definitely lacking.” He said about 20-tons of pea gravel was moved. The two swing sets at Cedar Park now have new pea gravel, along with a swing set at the Kiddie Korral at Sunnyside Park, and the playground set by the Kiddie Korral Shelter, as well.  Another project is being planned for this coming spring.

And, Rasmussen reported to the Board that a recycled plastic bench has been installed at Cedar Park basketball court area. It was donated by the Lions Club from all the recycled plastic. He said as of two weeks ago, the Elks Club reached their goal of 500 lbs of plastic. They’ve picked a color for their bench, which should arrive within the next four-to-five weeks. Bryant says two other organization: The City of Griswold and the Master Gardeners, are applying for similar benches. He says there are currently 1,800 lbs of plastic available for recycling projects. Their goal had been 500 lbs over six months, so they’ve surpassed in less time than expected. Byrant says they take in about 200-to 300-lbs per week.

For more information on how you can sponsor a recycled bench, contact the Parks and Rec Office at (712) 243-3542.