(updated) (Atlantic, Iowa) – The City of Atlantic’s Parks and Recreation Board, Monday night, approved a contribution of $4,000 toward the $12,000 cost of a study designed to move forward on getting a Splash Pad at the Sunnyside Pool and other renovations/remodeling at the pool. Prior to approving the funds, the Board heard from Quality of Life Committee members Brigham Hoegh (Cass County Wellness Coordinator), and Dave Chase (with Nishna Valley Trails), who said there were numerous members from various groups who comprised the committee that spearheaded the 2021 Cass County “What people want and Need” study, which covered several areas, including Physical and Outdoor Recreation. Chase says..

That’s where the studies come in, and Chase said “those studies don’t come cheap.” The committee, he said, is asking everyone with a stake in the endeavor, “to kick-in a little bit.”

Chase said the Nishna Valley YMCA “has provided the leadership to call meetings and get the ball rolling, but it’s gotta be a community effort.” Chase said those persons who sat-in on the committee were asked to go back to their respective organizations and ask if they can kick-in something for the studies. He included himself and the NVT group as part of the funding stream. The YMCA he said, he agreed to chip-in $6,000. Parks Board member John Krogman, speaking via video conference, said he hopes others kick-in on the study or later, when the projects are ready to come to fruition.

Parks Board Chairperson Jolene Smith agreed.

Other sources of funding could possibly include the Community Promotion Commission (CPC), Cass County Community Foundation and various grant opportunities. Parks and Rec Director Bryant Rasmussen said in discussions with City Administrator John Lund, it was clear having the Parks & Rec Board chip-in for the study wouldn’t impact the department’s projects planned for this year or next year.

The second phase study will specifically focus on how to raise funds for the project itself, once the price tags have been established. The total cost of both studies is estimated to be $33,000. The Parks and Rec Board will contribute additional funds in the upcoming Fiscal Year, once the funding streams come together.