(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department’s Board of Directors, Monday, tabled action on a vote to prioritize an increase in the Hotel/Motel Tax, with an increase being used to help pay for a Splashpad and improvements to the Sunnyside Pool. The Board will wait until their next meeting on February 20th at 5:15-p.m., at which time Ashley Hayes, SWIPCO Community Development Specialist, will make a presentation on grants and matters related to the project.

Roger Steffens, who owns a bed and breakfast in Atlantic, said he would be opposed to any increase in the Hotel/Motel tax. If the City moves eventually move with increasing the tax, it would be left up to the voters. With regard to the Splash Pad, Ali Pieken, member of the Splash Pad Executive Committee, has been in contact with two companies  – Vortex Aquatic Structures, and Crouch Recreation, of Elkhorn, NE. – the Board selected to come up with a design renderings for the project.

Last month, Pieken said what’s been decided so far, is for a bean-shaped splash pad area with 4,500-square feet of play space, and features chosen by the Executive Committee. Both renderings the companies designed have elements favorable to the Parks Board. At the end of their discussion, the Parks Board voted to give the Splashpad Fundraising Committee the authority to decide on the final fundraising image that will be presented to the public.

Roger Steffen said he would be the first to donate $500, but it was with a caveat that the Board rejected. He wanted the Board doesn’t go to taxpayers for support (i.e the Hotel/Motel tax increase). It must solely be done with donations. Pieken said they won’t even be ready to solicit bids until they have raised at least 50-percent of the estimated project cost, which will depend on the final elements the project incorporates.