(Atlantic, IA) –  The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors recently gathered at Schildberg Recreation Area to celebrate the completion of a new solar system display honoring the late John Garrett. Family and friends of the Garrett family, along with members of the Atlantic Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission, joined the Ambassadors for the ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating John’s vision and dedication.

The solar system display, which stretches across the west side of Schildberg Recreation, serves as both an educational and inspirational addition to the community. Designed to represent the planets of our solar system in proportionate scale and distance, the project invites visitors to explore science and nature together through an engaging, hands-on learning experience.

John Garrett’s inspiration for the display came from The Thousand-Yard Model: The Earth as a Peppercorn, an instructional book by Guy Ottewell that illustrates the solar system’s scale through a walking model. His idea was to bring that same concept to life in Atlantic, giving families, students, and visitors a way to visualize the vastness of space while enjoying the beauty of Schildberg Recreation Area.

During the ceremony, Carol Garrett, John’s wife, expressed her appreciation to everyone who helped make the project a reality. She thanked the community, volunteers, and the Atlantic Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission for their involvement and continued support in carrying out this project.

Kevin Ferguson, member of the Atlantic Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission, shared that the new display is a meaningful tribute to John’s passion for learning and community engagement. It stands as a reminder of his love for science, education, and the outdoors. These values will continue to inspire others for generations to come.

Schildberg Recreation Area is located on the north side of Atlantic and is open daily for public recreation, walking, and outdoor exploration.