NEW ULM — The Park and Recreation Commission accepted $4,050 in cash donations and $10,000 in pledges, Monday.

The $10,000 pledge was made by Dr. Ann Vogel for the German Park amphitheater project. Vogel’s pledge is conditioned on the city matching her pledge if additional funding is necessary to construct the amphitheater in 2019.

In November, the city was informed that private donors were threatening to withdraw donations and pledges for the German Park amphitheater if the amphitheater is not constructed in 2019.

This includes a donation of $25,000 cash from 2015 and a $100,000 pledge from 2016.

The 2019 estimate for the first phase of the project is $467,337.50. With the pledges and donations available, there is approximately $136,300 still needed to complete the first phase.

Commissioner David Christian asked if the parks had money in their budget to help match this donation.

Parks Director Tom Schmitz said his department should be able to match a $10,000 for this project.

The Izaak Walton League donated $1,000 to archery programs and $1,000 to Riverside Park program. The Hermann Monument Society gave $2,000 to the Hermann Monument national historic landmark nomination.

The commission also authorized an application for a Neighborhood Healthy Connection grant through Allina Health for up to $10,000. Last year staff applied and received a $10,000 grant and used it to fund the inaugural year of Rec on the Go, a free summer program. The program was a success. Park and Rec staff would like to continue the program in 2019 with the help of this grant.

Schmitz gave an overview of recent city council meetings, which included the adoption of the 2019 budget and authorizing the Lutheran Social Services (LSS) senior dining lease for the Community Center with no increase of fee.

Commissioner Gene Slettedahl asked about the decision to not increase the LSS dining fee.

The council chose to keep the daily fee at $51 rather than accept the recommended increase to $53.

Christian, who is also a city councilor, said the council suggested the department seek additional funding from other communities benefiting form the service. Christian said over 50 percent of the meals prepared by LSS went outside New Ulm city limits. At this time the county does not kick in any money to cover the cost of the program.

Schmitz said staff plans to look into auxiliary funding sources from other cities and Brown County.

Schmitz gave an update on Reinvest in New Ulm (RENU) projects. The Hermann Heights update includes a paved parking lot and a realignment of Monument Street. Staff is still working on the concept for the park with Bolton and Menk.

At this time, the plan is for two parking areas. The existing parking area will be pushed west to add additional green space. Final construction documents will be presented to the RENU Oversight Committee at a later date.

Johnson Park may receive an additional observation deck along the first base line. This is an add-on alternate to the project. A separate bid will be given for the deck, and the city council will give a final approval if it will be constructed as part of the improvement.

The plan is to bid out the Johnson Park project during winter. The park will be available in the spring, but will need to be closed in June for construction. The plan is to complete Johnson Park in time for the 2020 State Amateur Baseball Tournament.

In other news, the commission welcomed two new members. Laura Evans and Bob Skillings were appointed to the commission during last week’s city council meeting.