Like usual, there are the traditional popular events that include Concerts in the Park, swimming lessons, soccer, baseball, T-ball and softball. The Puppet Wagon also starts on June 10 and there will be seven shows a week with that.

Recreation Program Supervisor Liz Malloy is in her first summer at the New Ulm Park and Rec Department and she wants to continue to promote the popular events as well as introduce some new events for participants.

“I have been on staff just over six months,” she said. “As the Recreation Program Supervisor, I get to plan the programs and events our department puts on. Being my first summer I am excited to keep a lot of the community favorites programs as well as introduce some new ones and continue to learn from the community.”

New programs lined up

Photo courtesy of New Ulm Park and Recreation Soccer is another traditional favorite for children of all ages for the New Ulm Park and Recreation Department.

Tiny Tot T-ball is new this year and it is a program for 3-4-year olds with a parent participating as well. This program introduces T-ball in a new way for kids in that they partner with their parent to practice and learn the game, while also getting the team experience. This program also utilizes foam bats and balls so players don’t need a glove.

Also, Sports and Games is new for those age 7-11. This program will give kids an opportunity to learn the basics of both traditional and non-traditional sports. Every week the kids will learn a new sport.

Also, the department has expanded the camp programs. Itty Bitty Camp (for those age 4-6) now offers two sessions, Monday and Wednesday and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Campers can choose a session or do both. Each week has a different theme and every day will be new activities.

Explorer Camp for those age 7-11 has also expanded and is now offered Monday through Thursdays each session.

Popular favorites

T-Ball, baseball and softball are always popular events at the New Ulm Park and Recreation Department.

Swimming lessons is always popular for kids of all ages and there are multiple sessions throughout the summer for both daytime and evenings, allowing plenty of flexibility for both students and parents.

In its second year, Rec on the Go will be at six parks every week from June 17 through August 8 in addition to other locations each month as well as special events. This is a free program and the intent is to get as many participants as possible out to enjoy the summer events.

Rec on the Go also that provides the opportunity for different neighborhoods to experience some new programming and activities that they can walk and bike to and not travel across town. There will also be a snack for those under 18.

Concerts in the Park is a continued tradition in partnership with KNUJ. These concerts are at German Park at 7 p.m. on Monday nights and are free to the public. Some nights there will be additional partners and activities going on with the concerts.

Rec on the Go will also be at some of the Concerts in the Park and other events throughout the summer. Malloy also said that Rec on the Go is made possible through grants from Allina Health and Community Ed.

The Park and Rec department offers numerous activities for children of all ages.

Yoga in the Park is also back this year. It is free for all ages and will take place at a different park each Saturday at 9 a.m. starting June 1 through July 27. This is also possible through the Neighborhood Health Connections grant from Allina Health.

Malloy said that there are plenty of activities to get involved with this summer.

“No matter what your interest, Park and Rec has something for you to enjoy,” she said. “While a lot of programs are focused on youth, especially those under 12-years old, we do offer programs for all ages. From pottery and children’s theater to youth sports to field trips and our Get to Know Nature program with the DNR and then our free events in the park, there is something for everyone to enjoy and take part in. Participating in Park and Recreation can create new and lastly connections and the sponsorships and partnerships Park and Recreation has with other community businesses helps us provide that opportunity to New Ulm residents.”