(Atlantic) The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors visited the Atlantic Parks & Recreation office, on Thursday August 6th, to welcome new Director Maggie Robinson and learn more about her first few months in the position.
For Maggie, the job is a return home. A 2009 graduate of Atlantic High School, she grew up on a farm north of Atlantic and spent much of her childhood outdoors. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Park and Recreation Management from Northwest Missouri State University and later earned her MBA from the University of Vermont while working in upstate New York and Vermont. Her career has included workforce development, youth programs and outdoor recreation, experience she is now bringing back to her hometown.
Since starting in April, Maggie shared said she has gained a much better understanding of just how much goes into keeping Atlantic’s parks and recreation programs running. This summer, staff have kept up with regular park maintenance while also completing improvement projects, including updates to the bandshell and grant-funded improvements at Cedar Park, where older playground equipment will be replaced. Maggie was quick to credit her staff for the work they have accomplished and the effort they put in throughout the busy summer.
For Maggie, Parks & Recreation is about more than maintaining parks. She wants to create opportunities for people to get outside, use the community’s parks and enjoy Atlantic. She said building relationships and working together will be key to making that happen. “It truly takes a village,” Maggie said.
As she continues settling into the role, Maggie is looking forward to building on the department’s work and finding new ways to serve the community. She said she and her family have appreciated the warm welcome they have received since returning to Atlantic.
Atlantic Parks & Recreation oversees 12 parks and more than 230 acres throughout the community. The Parks & Recreation office is located at 1200 Sunnyside Lane in Atlantic. For information about parks, programs, and upcoming events, visit www.CityofAtlantic.com/parks-recreation/ or follow Atlantic Parks & Recreation on Facebook.
