Self-Paced Triathlon is a great way for competitors to be challenged physically but also work at your own pace, and even call yourself a triathlete.

Competitors will choose which category they would like to compete in with 40 days to reach their goal. Activity miles may be completed indoors or outdoors. We will rely completely on the honor system when recording mileage totals.

All competitors that reach their goal by the end of the event will receive a t-shirt. You do not need to be a member of the Recreation Center to take part in this triathlon. Swim, Bike, and Run yourself through this challenge!!! Cost is only $20 for residents and $22 for non-residents.

FREE Pickleball Clinic is Wednesday, March 22 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Recreation Center. This is a great way to learn about or give pickleball a try. It is a fun sport and a good way to meet others. This Clinic is put on by Park and Rec staff and experienced players and will teach basics rules, strategies and play the game during this FREE Beginner Clinic! 

Adult Athletic Leagues registration is currently open for Co-Rec Softball and Co-Rec Sand Volleyball. League start in the Spring and run through the summer. If you are interested in adding a team call 507-359-8347 or pick up registration materials at the Recreation Center.

Herbicides for Buckthorn in the Spring. Tordon is the only herbicide that works to kill buckthorn in the spring, however Tordon remains in soil for many years and is a carcinogen if it contaminates the water supply. Clean water and soil are necessary for life. The city of New Ulm does NOT use Tordon.

If you decide to use Tordon or when using any herbicide follow these rules:

1. Use only in a herbicide blotter (Buckthorn Blaster) available at Fieldhouse desk or online. Do not use the squirt bottle Tordon is packaged in. Soil and water contamination are guaranteed.

2. Apply only to the rim (cambium layer) of the stump.

3. Use only in the spring from bud break to full leaf flush, about 12 weeks. This date is likely early in 2017, beginning with the warm weather into the 40’s and 50’s.

4. Tint herbicide with Rit dye or pond dye or mark It to avoid treating the stump more than once. 4. Avoid contamination with eyes and skin. Wear protective glasses and rubber gloves.

Roundup is not effective in the spring starting with budbreak. Undiluted purple Roundup concentrate (50% glycophosate) is used to control buckthorn during summer through winter, 9 months a year.

Roundup should be used only in a Buckthorn Blaster (herbicide applicator) or a small sponge brush. Roundup must be applied within two hours of cutting. Don’t cut more than you can treat.

Roundup and all herbicides need to be applied only to the rim of the stump. Roundup is not effective the three months in spring when buds are breaking and until leaves are filled out, about 12 weeks.

Questions: email: Ellen Vancura at newulmbuckthorn@gmail.com. or text/call 612-718-9774.

City Tree Inventory Help Wanted – The City’s Tree Advisory Commission will be conducting an inventory of trees on city parks and streets beginning in early spring, 2017. Volunteers will be needed to assist with data collection. No experience is necessary and free training will be provided by the University of Minnesota. Interested individuals should contact Shane Omersa at the Park and Rec office at 507-359-8341 or email shane.omersa@ci.new-ulm.mn.us. This will be a great opportunity to be active, increase your knowledge of trees and help maintain the health and enjoyment of New Ulm’s local environment.

Information on Fees & Hours of Facility Operation: visit us on the web at: www.ci.new-ulm.mn.us Email parkandrec@ci.new-ulm.mn.us or cheryl.kormann@ci.new-ulm.mn.us or call 359-8347. Rec Center, 122 South Garden St., hours: Monday-Friday 5 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Civic Center is located at 1212 N Franklin St. Community Center is located at 600 N German St.