Rollison's first months are memorable

Dan Rollison 43, began his job as Cherokee Parks and Rec Director at the end of January this year, and he had a very busy and memorable first six months on the job. He said his first half-year at Parks and Rec. has been a "learning experience."

First and foremost among his experiences was the opening of the Bacon Aquatic Center, which has been a great success, with the exception of the mudslide which caused a temporary closing of the pool for a couple of days. The adjoining hill has since been re-shaped and new sod laid, though, so things are a "go" again, as summer winds down.

Rollison said he has become "very proficient" at filling and emptying the pool since he's had to do it four times this summer. The Bacon Aquatic Center has a staff of 56, including concessions and admission staff and 36 lifeguards.

Rollison formerly worked at Tyson's for 13 1/2 years, but served as a volunteer with the city soccer program for the last several years, and for the last couple of years contracted with the city to run both the soccer and disc golf programs. He is a self-described "soccer freak," and one of his goals is to expand the city soccer program to include a co-ed, all ages, "family" soccer program, including indoor soccer over the winter months.

They have moved soccer games to Sundays this year because of a conflict with "padded football" games, and Rollison said they have participants in the soccer program from Primghar, Paullina, Calumet, Marcus, and Aurelia in addition to Cherokee.

Disc Golf has also had a successful summer, with some 20-40 people usually competing in tournaments.

Other programs under Rollison's department include the Hershey Track Meet, co-ed adult softball, and adult volleyball and basketball.

He is very excited about the establishment of a Youth Council this year, which involves not only Parks and Rec., but several community agencies, including the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department, ISU Extension (4-H), Family Services, Sanford Museum, Juvenile Court Services, the Cherokee County Conservation Board, the Art Council, and the Meriden Evangelical Free Church and Cherokee Memorial Presbyterian Church. The council was responsible for the free-of-charge "Adventures in Fun" program this summer which provided kids with an educational day of fun activities. The Council plans to provide more free programs - perhaps as an "After School" event - to allow kids to learn the value of exercise and socialization.