The equipment replacement previously came before the New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission and was unanimously recommended for approval.

At Lincoln Park, the playground equipment for 2- to 5-year-olds would be replaced and relocated. This equipment is currently located separate from the main playground equipment near the Lincoln Park wading pool, called the “tot lot.”

New Ulm Park and Recreation Director Joey Schugel said equipment in the tot lot is used frequently but is becoming outdated. In addition, the parks department would like to reduce the overall container space for the playground. The equipment in the tot lot will be replaced and relocated closer to the main playground section. The former tot lots space will returned to green space. Some of the tot lot equipment be retained in Lincoln Park, but new equipment will also be installed.

Schugel said by eliminating a playground container, the park department will be reducing annual maintenance costs without reducing the number of play features.

The playground equipment in Washington Park is the oldest in New Ulm’s system, having been installed in 1999. The Park and Recreation Commission recommended replacing the equipment during Monday’s meeting. Photo by Clay Schuldt

At Washington Park, the playground equipment for 5- to 12-year-olds will be replaced. Schugel said this playground equipment is the oldest in New Ulm’s system. It was installed in Sept. 1999 and has reached the end of its life. This playground also sees heavy use from the neighborhood but also its proximity to New Ulm Area Catholic Schools.

The new equipment for Washington Park was designed by Flagship Recreation, who provided the city with three design concepts. These design concepts were shown to a group of New Ulm Area Catholic School students, who were expected to use the equipment the most. The top-voted option was selected for installation.

Schugel said as with Lincoln Park, they intend to reduce the size of the playground container area to save on maintenance costs.

Councilor Tom Schmitz asked if poured-in-place surfacing was considered over the wood chip container currently in place at the two parks.

Schugel said the parks department looked into poured-in-place surfacing as a reduced maintenance option, but said the cost of installing this surfacing at Washington Park would double the cost of the project.

A concept design for new toddler equipment at Lincoln Park playground.

The cost of the playground equipment and installation at Washington Park is $178,815.17. The cost of the Lincoln Park equipment including installation is $29,375.21.

Schugel said since the equipment for both parks is from Flagship Recreation, the city will save on shipping and installation costs. He said the funds for this project were coming from a playground replacement fund created in 2024. This fund was created to address the number of city playgrounds in need of replacement. There is $325,000 available in the replacement funds.

The council unanimously approved the playground equipment replacement for both parks.