Along the third base line was a location the New Ulm Baseball Association chose for a potential local baseball history center when they presented the project to the Park and Rec Commission Monday.

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Baseball Association (NUBA) brought its vision of honoring New Ulm’s baseball history to the New Ulm Park and Rec Commission for discussion at their work session Monday.

NUBA proposed building a history center along the third base line north of the bleachers and on the hillside. The center would be 24 ft by 80 ft and include a museum, meeting room, reception area, kitchen, office, storage space, bathroom, and a viewing deck.

While the building would be on city property, NUBA would secure the funding to build the center and keep it operational afterward.

Park and Rec Commissioner Joey Schugel introduced the plan. He stressed to the commission this is only an idea at this point.

“No engineering or architecture has been done yet,” Schugel said. “However, they would like to get to that step. I’m gonna let them talk about what they’re looking for and what type of processes.”

NUBA President Bob Skillings said the idea of a space honoring New Ulm’s storied baseball history is not new but could serve as a great addition to an already improved ballpark.

“It’s a long, successful history,” he said. “There’s been people involved in New Ulm baseball who have talked about celebrating our history in some way. We’re trying to bring that idea forward. You may have been at Johnson Park recently. It was one of the renewal projects and has been upgraded significantly. I think if we had a center at the park, it would be the icing on the cake.”

Commissioner Kurt Johnson asked if the constructed building would potentially obstruct viewing for folks in the bleachers along the third base line. Skillings said this was a possibility and they would discuss alternative locations with engineers and architects when the plan moves forward.

Commissioner Dave Christian said his biggest question was how they would build an addition on the hillside or if it was even possible.

“If I was the building official I’d be requesting soil borings before I went any further,” he said.

Building Inspector Ellwood Zabel said constructing a center there would require a zero-foot setback off the property line. In addition, he said some utility concerns would need to be worked around.

“I think the closest gas line is over by the wellhouse near the community center,” Zabel said. “Electricals close, water and sewer is out in the road. Elevation-wise, it should work being up at street level. The viewing from the grandstands is coming into play.”

Commissioner Jim Jensen spoke out in favor of a history center. He said when he’s gone to sporting events, such as a rodeo in Rapid City, there’s usually a museum of some sort to educate people.

“I think it’d be great to have it down at the park to draw more people,” Jensen said. “Because it brings attention to what you’re doing. I’m not a huge baseball fan, but I like local baseball. This kind of stuff would bring more attention to this activity, which makes people interested. I think it’s a neat idea. It’s always fun to take a step back and celebrate success.”

Commission Chair Carisa Buegler said she likes the idea and showcase of New Ulm’s history but is concerned about the project’s sustainability if it were to be completed.

“My one worry would be how will it cash-flow?” She said. “Even if the funds could be raised for the actual building, is there a strong business plan to be able to afford the utilities and the upkeep of the building?”

No formal decisions were made as it was a work session. Skillings said they’re just starting the process and will continue to work on the details.