Atlantic Parks and Recreation Dept. Director Bryant Rasmussen, Monday evening, updated the Parks Board on several matters, including tree removal at Sunnyside Park. Rasmussen said work on removing some trees and pruning others will begin soon. In 2015, a survey conducted with the help of the District Forester, counted and categorized the trees at Sunnyside, including those with issues that needed to be addressed immediately.

The Forester was brought back in this year, to re-assess the trees. Rasmussen said some 30-to 40 trees need to be removed or pruned. The ones that need to be removed are either dead, or have a rotten core, are leaning or are splitting down the middle: Those that pose a safety issue to park users. Some of the trees to be removed, including those over 2-feet in diameter and the Oaks, will need to be handled by a professional tree removal company.

Atlantic Parks & Rec Board (1/20/20) Ric Hanson/photo

Rassmussen said it is cold enough now that they were able to get the the ice to freeze at the Sunnyside Park Ice Skating rink, but there are some issues with cracking and ice heaves that need to be addressed once it gets a bit warmer, so they can add water and smooth out the rough spots. Once the rink is open, the Parks and Rec Department has hockey and ice skating equipment available, along with “Curling” with frozen milk jugs, frozen pop bottle bowling and more.

On a somewhat related note, Rasmussen said ice fishing is allowed at the Schildberg Park, but the ice is NOT monitored, so use Due Diligence to make sure it is thick enough before you venture out onto the lakes.

Rasmussen said the Parks Department has the raised garden beds for Mollett Park assembled and ready to be installed this Spring. Questions remain, though, including getting water access from AMU to the beds, and what the fee should be for the rental of a garden bed, compost, and tools. He said they have tentatively discussed a total fee of $35, which includes $20 for the raised bed, and $15 for the cost of utilities and tools. There will be 10, fenced in raised beds, with two available for Master Gardeners. Rasmussen said the Master Gardeners will offer once a week seminars for the plots and other helpful advice to potential users.

In other business, Bryant Rasmussen said the Parks and Rec Dept. will offer bikes to rent beginning this Spring, in coordination with the Atlantic Police Department. The bicycles are those that have been confiscated, or found and never claimed. They were stored for a year or more in the P-D’s basement. New (unpaved) trails will be opened-up at Sunnyside for bike paths, and helmets will be available “Compliments of people who left them after RAGBRAI,” and kids helmets courtesy of the Kiwanis Club.

Rasmussen said “Friends of the Parks” will hold a meeting 5:30-p.m. Feb. 4th at the Parks & Rec Office, to discuss community outreach, volunteering and overall promotion of the City’s Park Assets. Anyone is welcome to attend the meeting.

Rasmussen also encourages everyone to explore all the recreational equipment available at the Parks Office and storage shed, including Cross County skis & poles, bag boards for rent, a ping-pong table and net, discs for Disc Golf, horseshoes, croquet, volleyball, football and pickle ball equipment, board games, and much more.

Call the Parks and Rec Department Monday through Friday from 8-a.m. to 5-p.m., at (712)-243-3542, go to their website https://www.atlanticiowa.com/atlantic/city-departments/parks-recreation/ or follow them on social media.