The signage at 122 S. Garden Street still reflects the facility's former name, but as of April 1, it is officially the SouthPoint Recreation and Wellness Center. New physical signs are expected to be installed within the next two to three months. (Photo by Amy Zents)

NEW ULM — The city’s flagship recreation facility has a new name effective April 1.

The New Ulm Recreation Center at 122 S. Garden Street is now officially the SouthPoint Recreation and Wellness Center following a 15-year naming rights agreement with SouthPoint Financial Credit Union.

“This is just naming rights for the recreation center,” Park and Rec Director Joey Schugel said.

​The partnership, which was first recommended by the Park and Recreation Commission in January and later approved by the City Council, brings immediate benefits for local families.

​SouthPoint members now qualify for a 10% discount on three-month memberships and a 15% discount on annual memberships. Members simply need to show proof of their SouthPoint account at the time of purchase. The discounts apply only to regular full-time yearly and three-month memberships.

​As for when residents will see residents see the new signs, Schugel said the timeline is still being finalized.

“Signage will be a couple to three months yet,” he noted. In the meantime, the facility continues to operate under its familiar routines while the physical updates are prepared.

The timing of the announcement aligns with a busy spring season at the center. As crews reinstall ice at the adjacent Civic Center, the department is urging residents to ensure they have the updated New Ulm Park and Rec app for real-time schedules on open skate times, hockey and other activities. A section of the bike trail in South German Park near the dog park remains closed indefinitely due to a washout.

Easter programming is already underway and designed to draw families indoors and outdoors.

​Friday, April 3: Pool Eggstravaganza — an indoor aquatic Easter egg hunt at the SouthPoint Recreation and Wellness Center from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 4: Free community Easter Egg Hunt at Harman Park starting at 10:30 a.m., complete with candy and Easter Bunny photos.

Sunday, April 5: The SouthPoint Recreation Center, Civic Center, and Community Center will be closed for the holiday, though the 24/7 fitness wing remains accessible to authorized users.

“Additional updates will be released as the new signage is installed and further programming details become available,” Schugel said.