NEW ULM-The New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission established a sub-committee to study potential tobacco-free policy for future recommendations to the City Council.

The Heart of New Ulm initiative proposed the commission propose a policy that prohibits tobacco use at parks facilities.

Commissioner Carisa Buegler is also a member of the Heart of New Ulm leadership team and gave a presentation on the need for a tobacco-free policy.

Buegler said Park and Rec facilities are established to promote healthy activities and a tobacco-free policy would send a message about the need for healthy spaces. It is considered a positive role-modeling for youth. This policy would be consistent with school property. Cigarettes also contribute litter to the parks. Other cities in Minnesota have tobacco-free parks.

Buegler recommended the policy address all city-owned property including parks, trails, building and facilities.

Commissioner David Christian said he was a smoker, but he did support the tobacco-free policy. He made the motion to create the subcommittee to study tobacco-free policy. It was unanimously passed.

Christian and Buegler agreed to be on the sub-committee. They will bring back a draft recommendation in September.

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Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz gave an update on Reinvest in New Ulm (RENU) projects. The Johnson Park improvements were 100% complete. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held once baseball resumes next year.

The Hermann Heights Park projects are 35% complete. The retaining walls along Center Street are expected to be complete within the week. The relocation of Monument Street and the installation of a paved parking lot is underway. The entire project is scheduled for completion this autumn.

The Recreation Center project started a few weeks ago with the demolition of existing structures. The north section of the building still has limited use by the public. The entire building will be closed in April 2021 until total completion in autumn 2021.

In other news, Schmitz said the wading pools will be closed before the end of August. The splashpad in North Park will remain open through Labor Day if the weather is warm.

The observation deck and ADA compliant ramp at the Riverside Park building will be under construction before the end of the year.

The amphitheater in German Park is complete. Landscaping is still needed and fundraising is ongoing for the amphitheater shade structure.

Schmitz said the department has already received calls to rent the amphitheater. He anticipates it could become the top regional location for outdoor weddings.

The grand opening for the amphitheater will be delayed until next year.