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Park & Rec receives report on RENU oversight

NEW ULM — The Park and Recreation Commission received a report on Monday from Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz on last week’s RENU Oversight Committee meeting.

RENU stands for Reinvest in New Ulm, an effort to fund park improvements and other projects with a local sales tax.

The Oversight Committee submitted three recommendations to the City Council. The first was recommending the city solicit proposals for design services or construction management services for all seven of the RENU projects.

The second recommendation was to obtain soil borings around the Vogel Fieldhouse. Four of seven RENU projects are planned to be constructed on the Fieldhouse grounds. The soil borings will determine if it is feasible to add a indoor waterpark expansion, gymnastic center, fitness center and indoor playground.

The third recommendation was to seek alternative sites for a multi-purpose dome in addition to the high school artificial turf field.

Commissioner Gene Slettedahl asked why a second option was being considered.

Schmitz explained if the dome was placed at the school, it would only be available for four months out of the year. Alternatives sites could allow the dome to be up all year round and increase the type of activities hosted in the dome.

The commissioners recommended that the city proceed with the RENU Oversight Committee’s recommendations.

A recommendation was made that the city authorize a grant application to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for trap and skeet range improvements not to exceed $25,000 with an equal amount of local cash or in-kind match.

The city trap and skeet shooting facility at 214 21st N. St. are requesting the addition that will include a small building to house throwing machines, concrete pads for shooters and accessible walkways.

Schmitz said the use of this facility is increasing due to the addition of high school shooting teams.

Space is available for an additional combination trap and skeet range. The estimated project cost is $30,000. The application will only request $15,000 and a local match of $15,000 will cover the difference.

Schmitz said the source of the local match is still being discussed. Sioux Valley Gun Club (SVGC) is making the request and is considering providing the local match through in-kind donation of concrete and carpentry work.

The annual request from Hermann Monument Society to host HermannFest in Hermann Heights and Harman Parks was approved by the commission. The recommendation to host the annual celebration on Sept. 8 will be submitted to the city council.

The commission approved entering into an Adopt-A-Park agreement at Washington Park with Tom Buskey Edward Jones Agency. The Agency’s volunteers will be involved with litter and trash removal and other light maintenance.

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