NEW ULM — The New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission reviewed a 90% draft of the city’s 15-year Park and Recreation Master Plan during Monday’s meeting.

Claire Roth, a planner with ISG, presented the draft. The plan has been in development since April 2025 and outlines recommendations for parks, facilities and open space. The plan is based in part on community input.

Roth said the process included four public events, an online survey with 486 responses and meetings with 17 community groups.

Survey responses showed residents value the condition of existing parks and want additional amenities, including restrooms, expanded trail connections, aquatic facilities and updated playground equipment.

Respondents indicated interest in increased program awareness, more inclusive programming and continued partnerships with local organizations.

The draft organizes parks into four categories: community parks, neighborhood parks, special use parks and natural resource areas. It also identifies five potential areas for future park development based on growth patterns and access.

The plan includes a decision-making tool intended to help determine when and where new parks should be developed. An implementation section outlines how projects could be prioritized. Roth said the plan is designed to guide future decisions.

“We want to make sure that this plan is implementable,” Roth said.

Projects are grouped by timeframe, with higher-priority items identified for completion within one to five years.

The prioritization is based on factors including safety, accessibility, park condition, connectivity and cost. The plan also includes recommendations related to staffing, maintenance and programming. These include evaluating staffing levels, reviewing maintenance practices and adjusting programming to reflect community needs.

Additional recommendations address coordination with local organizations and the use of consistent design standards for park facilities and amenities.

In other news, the commissioners voted to recommend City Council acceptance of two donations totaling $400 for memorial paver stones at German Park. The donations honor the Schugel and Simpson families.

Commissioners also recommended approval of a $3,865 grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council to support the summer concert series at German Park.

Park and Recreation Director Joey Schugel reported that two construction projects were completed ahead of the spring season, including improvements to the North Park dugouts and the Mueller Park backstop.

The city also received its 22nd consecutive Tree City USA designation.

Schugel said the department is continuing to accept applications for a recreation coordinator position focused on aquatics and fitness. Applications are open through April 19.

The Parks and Recreation Commission is scheduled to meet again May 11 at 4 p.m.