The Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department Board of Directors met Monday evening at City Hall. During their meeting, they were introduced to Ron Flory, part-time Park Foreman, who previously worked for the City of Atlantic’s Wastewater Treatment Plant for more than 33-years, starting when he was just a teenager.

Atlantic Parks & Rec Foreman Ron Flory.

Parks and Rec Director Seth Staashelm explained what Flory’s job entails. He’ll be overseeing the department crews out in the field, helping with equipment maintenance, serving as the department safety officer and other duties. Staashelm will serve in a more administrative role. Flory said he was stepping “Out of [his] comfort zone a little bit and trying something new,” in taking the position. It’s so far it’s been a lot of work, but a fun job for the next seven-years or so, until I retire.”

He said there’s been a lot work cleaning up the storm damaged trees, taking care of mowers that have broken down, maintenance and cleaning, as well as working on the new Schildberg Recreation Area playground. As far as the east playground is concerned, Staashelm said it’s nearly finished. The structure is completed, and there have already been some play dates have been taken advantage of by YMCA kids and others.

All that remains is setting placques for the park benches in place, and adding some signage with regard to parent supervision required of children ages 5-to 12. The Schildberg west Shelter is also nearly complete, with the exception of the electrical hookups being connected for outlets. Seth Staashelm said also, the old Sunnyside Park entrance sign has been completely demolished, and it’s hoped the new sign will be in-place by Labor Day, just in-time for the Disc Golf Tournament, which draws more than 200 competitors from 13 different States.

Staashelm said also they had good participation in their Summer program (tennis and swimming), and the Sunnyside Pool sold 166 units this year altogether, as compared to the 127 sold last year. The last day for the pool to be in operation is August 18th, which is also the day for the “Doggie Dip,” that takes place from 1-until 4-p.m. , as a fundraiser for the Atlantic Animal Shelter. Last year the event had a large showing and raised $365 at One-dollar per dog, plus extra donations that came in.

He said there will be dogs in the pool, it will get dirty, and if people want to swim, they will do so “At their own risk.” Kids are not encouraged to be swimming at that time.