Fitness Fun Day at the Rec. Center on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 1-5 p.m. FREE admission to swim, shoot hoops, play in the gym or walk the track. This event is sponsored by Park and Rec., New Ulm Medical Center and Physicians Group of New Ulm.

Hermann 5k Run/Walk Saturday, Oct. 8. New this year will be a Hermann Tot Trot starting at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 5k Run/Walk starting at 9 a.m. This is New Ulm’s most unique 5k race, which begins at the Rec. Center. The scenic and challenging course will bring you through neighborhoods and Flandrau State Park, testing your endurance before ending in Historic Hermann Heights Park! There will be stairs on the course, so no strollers are allowed. The Tot Trot will have a special short course for kids to run/walk in age groups and receive a special Hermann Cape and medal for completion. There will also be fun post race activities! Register online at www.ci.new-ulm.mn.us or at the Rec. Center.

Fall Activities Registration online or you may register for any programs in person at the Rec. Center. There are openings for swimming lessons, Key Log Rolling and various pottery and ceramics classes.

Hermann Monument open Saturdays/Sundays through Oct. 16 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

ECFE Halloween Party Friday, Oct. 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at held at Jefferson Elementary School gym. Cost is $3 per child with $6/family max. Children under 12 months are FREE. There will be art activities, exciting games, face painting, Moon bounce and treats. Happy Joe’s pizza and pop will be available for purchase. There will also be a photo backdrop, so bring your camera. All children ages infant to six years old and their parents are invited to attend. Costumes are option. No masks, please. This event is co-sponsored by ECFE, Park and Rec. and the Optimist’s Club of New Ulm.

Family Zumba and Pool Spooktacular Saturday, Oct. 29 from 3-6 p.m. at the Rec. Center. Haunted open swim will run from 3-5 p.m., followed by family friendly spooky Halloween-themed Zumba class from 5:15-6 p.m. Come to one or both; children 5 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. Costumes are welcomed and encouraged. This special event is FREE to Rec. Center annual Members and $5 for non-members.

Buckthorn: The purple berries on the female buckthorn plants are ripe. If you have a tree with dark berries on your property, it is likely buckthorn. Cut trees with berries first to prevent a generation of new buckthorn. Disposal options include: haul branches with berries to the city burn pile, cover with dark plastic to compost, mulch them in a shredder or bury them in the ground. Cut trees as close to the ground as possible. Blot on purple Roundup undiluted immediately with a small sponge brush or herbicide applicator available at the Rec Center front desk. Tinting the roundup with Rit or pond dye will prevent reapplication or forgetting to treat. A short handled lopper is the best tool for saplings. Rake seedlings with your fingers and pull out younger sprouts. For questions or a site visit, email newulmbuckthorn@ gmail.com or call Ellen Vancura at 507-354-8744 and leave a message.

German Park Amphitheater is in great need of improvement. $600,000 is needed for this improvement project. $311,000 has already been raised by donors and the City Park and Recreation Department. In order to turn the Amphitheater in the area’s premier outdoor performing arts center; improvements such as concrete terraces, staircases, accessible ramps, shad structures, lighting and sound systems are planned. To make a donation, please contact Tom Schmitz, Director at 507-359-8339 or tom.schmitz@ci.new-ulm.mn.us:

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.- 6 p.m. Civic Center is located at 1212 N Franklin St. Community Center is located at 600 N German St.