The Hermann Heights retaining wall experienced another blowout during the weekend rain storm.

NEW ULM — The Hermann Heights retaining wall experienced another blowout during the weekend rain storm.

Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz said this blowout was the largest, but other smaller blowouts have occurred in the last few weeks. For safety purposes the section of Center Street sidewalk adjacent to the wall has been closed to the public.

The Hermann retaining wall is scheduled to be replaced this summer along with parking lot improvements. One of the reasons for the retaining wall’s replacement was the frequent washouts during heavy rain. In light of the upcoming replacement of the wall the city has no plans to replace the limestone blowout.

The retaining wall and parking lot at Hermann Heights are scheduled to be complete by autumn 2020.

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In other news, the Park and Recreation Department has officially closed the 12 city playgrounds in New Ulm in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Schmitz said the parks will remain open, but the playgrounds will be closed. In addition, bathroom facilities in the parks will remain closed.