(Atlantic, Iowa) — Nishna Valley Family YMCA Executive Director Dan Haynes, today (Thursday) report Sunnyside Pool in Atlantic will hold its grand opening for the 2024 summer season, on May 31st! The pool will be open daily from 1-until 7-p.m., offering the community a perfect place to cool off and enjoy the summer days. Sunnyside will be operated under the direction of the Nishna Valley YMCA this year with partnership of the Atlantic Parks and Rec department. The YMCA will be handling all day to day patron and staffing operations and the Park and Rec will be taking care of the maintenance and water.

Haynes said “The YMCA is happy to reengage and partner with the Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department to bring the community the very best aquatics activities we can offer and maximize the talent and facilities we currently have. I’d like to thank Chelsie Rush and Chelsie Huddleson for their work in helping us get to this point as well as Jeff and Kirk from the City side to prepare the pool”

He added, “We are excited to introduce Vanessa Proehl as our new manager this year. Vanessa plans to continue building on last year’s successes by introducing new events and options for our patrons to enjoy. With her leadership, we anticipate a season filled with fun, community, and growth.”

Season Pass Information

Sunnyside Pool offers a variety of season passes to fit everyone’s needs:

• Group Pass: $130 (passholder + four additional members)
• Individual Pass: $90 (single member)
• Punch Pass: $35 (ten entries)

Passes can be conveniently purchased online through a form link available on the Sunnyside Pool Facebook page, or simply scan the QR code on the flyer, this form will collect a payment from a card when submitted. Memberships will also be available for purchase at the pool, payment methods accepted at the pool this year will be cash, check or card. Checks should be made out to the Nishna Valley Family YMCA.

Upcoming Enhancements

While the city was unable to install a slide this year due to regulatory constraints, we are pleased to announce that a new pump system will be installed mid-season, improving the pool’s overall efficiency and water quality.

Parks and Rec Coordinator Jeff Christensen says “We understand that a new pump is not all that exciting but it is necessary to keep Sunnyside Pool up and running.”

Stay tuned to the Sunnyside Pool Facebook page for updates on the pump installation dates, exciting new evening events, weather closures, special promotions, and more.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports several Iowa state parks have been impacted by recent heavy rains and storms, causing closures in some areas. Visitors are urged to plan in advance heading into the holiday weekend in case a park activity or location is affected.

Impacted parks include:

Backbone State Park (Delaware County) – The north gate entrance is currently closed. Mud and sand are on the road in the flats area. Debris and logs are along the trout stream road. Staff will reopen the north entrance once roadway cleanup is complete.

Big Creek State Park (Polk County) – Flash flooding has caused high water at Big Creek Lake, which should recede by the weekend. Damage from flooding will be assessed once water levels go down, but is expected to be minor. Access to docks at the marina may be impacted.

Dolliver Memorial State Park (Webster County) – The road in the central part of the park is currently closed due to flooding. The campground, cabins, and center lodge will be closed through the Memorial Day weekend. The north shelter and south lodge will be accessible.

George Wyth State Park (Black Hawk County) – The park is closed through Memorial Day weekend and possibly longer due to flooding and the potential for more rain. The park is closed to all traffic including driving, walking and biking.

Ledges State Park (Boone County) – The canyon drive is currently closed to vehicle traffic due to flash flooding. Visitors can hike into the canyon from the Oak Woods picnic area (near the Canyon entrance gates) but are advised not to enter the rapid, rising streams. As the Des Moines River crests Friday, the county road (Oriole Road) on the west side of the park is expected to be flooded.

Rock Creek State Park (Jasper County) – the west road to the beach, in addition to the beach, beach boat ramp, west shelter and trail access are all closed due to flash flooding. Some campsites will be closed due to debris and flooding. Visitors should avoid any dock that is in a bind or not in its normal location. The south end boat ramp and shelter also are closed due to excessive debris and damage. The lake contains a significant amount of new debris and trees from recent rains.

Walnut Woods State Park (Polk County) – The Purple Martin Water Resource Area has experienced flooding. The area will remain open, but part of the loop trail is inaccessible.

Wapsipinicon State Park (Jones County) – The Wapsipinicon River is expected to flood parts of the park. Staff plan to close some roads starting Friday, May 24, which will make the lodge and playground shelter inaccessible.

Additionally, several trails are closed to equestrian and bike use at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, Elk Rock State Park, Stephens State Forest and Volga River State Recreation Area due to wet conditions.

Visitors are encouraged to avoid driving through high water and to use extra safety precautions for water recreation activities due to swift currents and debris in many lakes and rivers. Additionally, be aware of potential tree debris within parks in mowed areas and on trails; staff are cleaning as they are able. A full listing of alerts and closures can be found at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures