Park and Recreation Director Joey Schugel said the current Johnson Park scoreboard was purchased in 2008 and is still in working order, but there are some maintenance issues. The bulbs in the display are becoming hard to see during games and replacement parts are becoming harder to find.

Schugel said some of the same parts are no longer being manufactured and other replacement parts have increased in cost. The City of New Ulm does not have the funds to replace the board, but

The New Ulm Baseball Association (NUBA) has proposed to donate the cost for a new video board, including electrical updates and installations. The cost of the new board is $259,553.

Schugel said the new video scoreboard would have the roughly the same size as the current scoreboard, but would have an extra five-foot arch on the top. The current post at Johnson Park could support the new board.

The New Ulm Park and Recreation approved a recommendation to replace the current Johnson Park scoreboard (picture here) with a new video scoreboard. New Ulm Baseball Association (NUBA) has offered to cover the cost of the new $259,553 scoreboard.

The scoreboard is operated by volunteers from NUBA during games.

Commissioner Greg Glover asked if there were additional maintenance and software costs associated with the new scoreboard.

Schugel said typically these scoreboards have a life expectancy of 15-20 years. This scoreboard would have a five-year warranty. Schugel anticipated there would be ongoing maintenance costs associated with it, but the Parks Department would work with NUBA on maintenance costs. NUBA has helped with other replacements.

“I want to personally thank NUBA for undertaking this,” Commissioner David Christian said. “I really like the design.”

Commissioner Anne Earl asked how advertising would be handled and approved on the new board.

Schugel said the city has an advertisement agreement with NUBA for outdoor fences at Mueller Park, but the language could be changed to include Johnson Park. The digital display on the new board will have the capability of showing advertisements, but the city and NUBA will need to reach a new agreement for the screen.

Earl also asked about the Jess Roiger dedication on the current board would be removed or moved elsewhere.

NUBA member Bob Skillings said no official decision has been made regarding the Roiger dedication. He said it could be moved to the scoreboard in Mueller Park, but either way NUBA would find a way to continue honoring Roiger.

Glover asked if there were any video scoreboard like this in region.

Schugel said the Franklin Rogers park (ISG FIELD) in Mankato has a video capabilities but is not to the specifications.

Commissioner Jim Jensen said he thought it was a great idea and made motion to recommend the replacement of the Johnson Park scoreboard with a second from Glover. The recommendation was approved by the commission and will be forwarded to the New Ulm City Council for final approval during the Tuesday, Feb. 17 meeting.