Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department Director Seth Staashelm, Monday, told the Parks and Rec Board, that with regard to the Schildberg Recreation Area campsite availability for this upcoming Memorial Day Holiday, “We’re gonna be booked-up this weekend.” Staashelm said there are three open spots, but two of those are already reserved, with the remaining spot available on a first-come, first-served basis.

He said all sites at the campground this year are on the same basis. Many of the sites are already in use by crews working at the Elite Octane Ethanol site, and Seth says “It feels like they’re bringing more people in, so I don’t know when they’re gonna be done out there.” Board member John Krogman said the completion date keeps getting pushed back, and Staashelm said it appears they may be there through the summer, which puts a crimp on persons wishing to camp for recreation.

That’s the only drawback to having construction crews camp at Schildberg. On the plus side, their use of the site has brought in much more money than the City ever expected, to the tune of $58,000 already, when it was optimistically estimated at the onset, only $700 would be generated. And, even though the Parks Department is over budget on municipal water, electric and garbage removal, Seth says “Our percentage is huge right now. As much as I like having the income come in it’s gonna be nice when they’re all out of there and we can maintain the place and make everything look nice.” That includes grading the ruts out, spraying, reseeding and other necessary maintenance.

Staashelm said also, the Grand Opening for the Sunnyside Pool is 1-p.m. Saturday, May 26th, and the Sunnyside Park Block Party takes place June 1st, from 5-until 9-p.m., at the Kiddie Korral. Local organizations including the ARISE, Kiwanis, Lions Club and 1st Church of Christ are helping out for the event. Free hot dogs will be available, along with 150 free cotton candy’s to tie-in with Atlantic’s 150th Anniversary (Sesquicentennial). And, movies in the park will be held at the Kiddie Korral June 8th (“The Lion King”) and July 11th (“Coco”), with activities at 7-p.m. and the movie at 8:30-p.m.  On August 17th, the movie will take place in the Shelter at the Schildberg Recreation Area, with a showing of “Jumanji.” Local groups, Royal Neighbors, Atlantic Rising and Megan Roberts State Farm are helping run the events, with free popcorn being served. All shows are free and fun for the family to enjoy.