(Atlantic) COVID-19 was the main topic at the Atlantic Parks and Recreation meeting Monday evening.
Parks and Recreation Director Bryant Rasmussen asked the Board about whether or not they should open the Sunnyside Pool with not knowing what will happen with the COVID-19 situation.
“From our standpoint, I don’t know how much money we’ll actually be able to rake in, it’s already losing entity in itself, and if we have a shortened season how much that actually is going to hinder us financially.”
Rasmussen said under normal circumstances they would actually start filling the pool in the next week or two so the water in the pool could warm and then the pool would be ready toward the middle or end of May. The Board ultimately decided to table any decisions on the pool until they have further direction from the Governor. This item will be discussed again at the May 18th meeting.
Bryant Rasmussen also explained why there are still campers at the Campground.
“We have about eight campers out there right now and all of them are extended-stay for construction work and construction is considered essential personnel and since they are there for construction then it is considered their residence so they are allowed to use our campground for that,” said Rasmussen. “Weekend campers for recreational use are prohibited. Those eight campers out there have signed a lease to show they are going to be extended stay and they are there for construction.”
Rasmussen said they capped it at those eight campers and no others will be allowed.
In other news, Rasmussen said with the spike in cases of COVID-19 in Iowa and the one case in Cass County, they have asked their mowers not to come in since they are at the age where they are more susceptible to COVID-19. He said they are running on a skeleton crew, but they do have two college kids that will be helping out. He said they also postponed most of their activities and summer events since it is unknown what will happen. However, he said if things start to get better then they will look into trying to put together as many activities as they can. Meanwhile, they are looking at putting out some activities through their Facebook page that families can do at home. The Parks and Recreation Department is also looking into some COVID-19 related guidelines for the Disc Golf Course and those will be posted.
