The Recreation, Civic and Community Centers remain closed through at least May 17. Follow us on our Facebook Page for the latest information. We also provide weekly fitness ideas, classes and links. If you aren’t on our e-mail list and wish to be, email cherylk@newulmmn.gov

Parks are open, however, the playgrounds, all park restrooms, drinking fountains, tennis and pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts and Riverside Park Environmental Learning Center are closed until further notice. Porta-Potties will not be put out in the area parks until further notice. Due to the receding water level of the Minnesota River, both water access sites at Minnecon and Riverside Parks are open. Please maintain at least six feet of physical distancing.

Leash Law – This is also a friendly reminder that pets are required to be on a leash at all times, except private property and the Dog Park and that owners are responsible for picking up all waste.

All pets must be on a leash in parks and sidewalks.

Staff are still working, call 507-359-8344 for questions or assistance or email cherylk@newulmmn.gov

Meals on Wheels and Senior Citizens Center takeout meals are still operating. Please call 359-2243 for meals delivery or to call and reserve a meal for pick up/take out.

Park and Rec and New Ulm Medical Center are partnering with the American Red Cross to host another emergency Comm- unity Blood Drive Friday, May 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Ulm Civic Center South Arena. To schedule an appointment or for more information go online to www.redcross blood.org and search by zip code 56073. Park and Rec and the Allina Health/New Ulm Medical Center are committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations. Blood drives are our way of giving the community an opportunity to help save lives. Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross. We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. Your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life. According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.

Spring Parks and Trail Clean up – Thank you to those who have been helping us by picking up litter, sticks and any other items found strewn in the parks, fence lines and trails. We can always use your help in keeping our parks and trails beautiful! A special thanks to the New Ulm Baseball Association for their efforts and assistance in cleaning and performing general maintenance at Mueller Park.

Glockenspiel’s new controller and figurines are coming soon.

German Park Amphitheater construction has begun and will be completed this year. The project cost is over $1,200,000 and $913,000 has already been raised. Fund raising continues. The next $100,000 in donations will be matched. Any size donation is greatly appreciated. Checks should be made to City of New Ulm Amphitheater and mailed to Park and Rec. Dept., 122 S. Garden Street, New Ulm MN 56073. Direct credit card donations to 507-359-8340 and/or questions to Tom Schmitz at 233-2121 ext. 202 or toms@newulmmn.gov

Hermann Heights Park Construction has begun! M. R. Paving & Excavating Inc., began demolition and excavation of the degraded retaining wall systems along Center Street and will replace the retaining wall system. MR will also be relocating the entrance road, Monument Street, and install parking lots and related infrastructure. This is one of six RENU, local option sales tax funded projects. Planned completion will be this autumn. Due to this construction, the entire park including Hermann Monument, are closed for the spring and summer season. The public is asked to stay out of the park.

Memorial/Gift Giving Ideas – purchase one or more paver stone(s) with your inscription(s), in the walkways near Hermann Monument and/or German Park for $200 each, contact the Park & Rec office at 359-8344. Park or trail benches range in price from $1,500 to $3,500 each, call 359-8344.

Email List – review what Park and Recreation Commissioners are discussing by subscribing to the meetings through E-Updates. To subscribe, simply go to https://cityofnewulm.civicweb.net/Portal/Subscribe.aspx and check the box next to Park and Recreation Commission, enter email and complete verification code. The next time an update is made, you will receive a notification directly to your email’s inbox.

Information on Fees & Hours of Facility Operation: Visit us on the web at: www.newulmmn.gov Email parkandrec@newulmmn.gov or cherylk@newulmmn.gov or call 359-8344. Rec Center, 122 South Garden St.

We will continue to communicate with the Public via Facebook, The Journal and KNUJ