Because of COVID-19 and the construction of the Recreation Center, it’s been a difficult year for some of the New Ulm Park and Rec programs. But Program Supervisor Liz Malloy is excited for everything to get back up and running soon.

“We’re excited to continue offering and expanding our program offerings this fall after condensing in 2020 due to Rec Center construction and COVID,” Malloy said in an email. “As the Rec Center construction comes to completion this fall our offerings will continue to expand to include swim lessons, water exercise, personal training and fitness programs as well as the return on open pickleball, racquetball leagues and more.”

While the department is still planning on more specific dates and signups, there are a few known programs that will take place this Fall. A number of the youth and adult activities start in September, so be sure to check the website www.newulmmn. gov for more information once that becomes available and registration starts in mid-August for a number of activites, including flag football, lifeguard training (registration open now), youth volleyball and the pottery programs.

One of the more popular youth activities includes the Youth Flag Football program and the Football Buddies program.

The New Ulm Park and Recreation will have a volleyball class starting in September for youth interested in learning the basic skills.

The Football Buddies program is designed for both parents and children to participate in together and it began in 2020. It is geared for children 4-6 years old and they will partner up with their parent to learn the basics of football, including stances, handoffs, basic movements, flag pulling and more. The program will be held on Sunday nights in September.

Meanwhile, the Flag Football Program will focus on fundamental skills and using drills with game play. Malloy said players will learn and build upon their football skills and knowledge. It’s for children in grades 1-5 and it will be held on Sunday and Thursday nights starting in September.

For those who want to try volleyball, there will also be a youth volleyball program up and running this fall, which is another popular event. This program will focus on fundamentals of volleyball, including basic skills as setting, passing, hitting and serving. It is designed to teach and build upon the basic skills of volleyball and will start in September for ages 8-13 and registration is also in mid-August.

Another highlight this fall includes the Fall Garage Sale, which will be held from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on September 11 at the New Ulm Civic Center. Registration will be open in August for those looking to sell items. Also, there will be a Youth and Adult Pottery class available and that will be offered to those of all ages. The Youth pottery and ceramic classes will be focusing on basic techniques and there will be a parent/ child pottery class for those ages 4 and up and a youth pottery class for those ages 8 and up. The adult pottery class will be held on Wednesdays for those 18 and over who want to expand their skills in hand build and wheel throwing.

The activities continue in October and into November. There will be an Adult Women’s and Co-Rec Volleyball league at the New Ulm Park and Recreation Center on Wednesday and Thursday nights. The 2021 Halloween Event will also take place in late October and there is also a “Rock on Ice” event planned for those ages 12-18 to ice skate to music on Friday nights.

The New Ulm Park and Recreation will have a flag football class starting in September for youth interested in learning the basic skills.

The Park and Rec Center will also re-open this Fall after going through a major renovation phase and once the pool is open, there will be swim lessons and a swim club held there.

The Hermann Monument is open through Labor Day, and then Saturdays and Sundays through the third weekend in October (October 21).

The Park and Rec Department is also hiring for multiple positions, including lifeguards, seasonal maintenance, and fitness instructors. They will be hiring for flag football coaches soon, too.

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course is being offered as a blended learning class from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, August 22. It continues Monday through Thursday, August 23-26 from 4-8:30 p.m. Approximately 5-7 hours of online work is required prior to class, followed by approximately 20 hours of in person training in the new pool. Fee is $199 for residents and $219 for non-residents and there are additional requirements that must be met. Those interested can register online at www.newulmmn.gov

For more information on signing up for any of the fall activities, go to www.newulmmn.gov or call 507- 359-8347.

year, there will be a Football Buddies program for parents and youth football players for players ages 4-6.