(Atlantic) The Atlantic Park and Rec Advisory Commission held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday afternoon. In September, the Atlantic City Council passed an ordinance replacing the elected Atlantic Park and Rec—Board with the newly appointed five-member Commission.
The purpose of the Commission is to advise the Council on the needed facilities to provide open space, such as parks, playgrounds, pools/splash pads, and community facilities for other forms of recreation. It shall also plan, develop, and promote City programs and encourage other programs for the leisure time of the City’s residents of all ages.
The Commission consists of five members plus one non-voting youth member. The mayor selected the commission members, which the Atlantic City Council approved. Atlantic Mayor Grace Garrett has yet to fill the final seat on the Commission with a high school student representative.
Atlantic City Clerk Barb Barrick conducted the initial meeting. This was an introductory meeting, and no action was taken. Each commission member was allowed to introduce themselves.
Dolly Bergmann:
Mary Strong:
Shirley Jensen:
Kevin Ferguson, a lifelong resident of Atlantic, spoke about his vision as a member of the Commission.
Ali Pieken- a mother of four children, is a respiratory therapist at Cass Health.
Also attending were Atlantic Public Works Director Kirk Knudsen, Park and Recreation Department Coordinator Jeff Christensen, and City Councilmember liaisons Mike McDermott and Emily Kennedy.
Jeff Christensen provided the Board with a list of ongoing programs and projects. The Commission reached a consensus to meet again on Wednesday, February 28.
