NU dedicates parkland Pollinator Park expansion
Trending
NEW ULM - The New Ulm City Council unanimously approved designating the city's Pollinator Park and national resource area as city parkland.
In 2015, Park and Recreation Commission approved designating a portion of the 2250 North Broadway
Park as a natural area and managing it as a pollinator preserve for Monarch butterflies and other pollinator species.
New Ulm Park and Rec Director Joey Schugel said that thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the Pollinator Park now contains 2.64 acres of native plantings, Monarch butterfly habitat, educational
signage, shade structure and walking paths.
Schugel said there are 20 additional acres of City property adjacent to the Pollinator Park that is currently designated as a national resource area. There has been a desire to expand the Pollinator Park to include the additional 20 acres of City property for additional native prairie grassland, trail development, educational signage, nature-based play area, and shaded seating areas. In 2024 the Park and Recreation Department worked with landscape architects at ISG to provide conceptual plans for expansion of this area.
Schugel said approval of the additional parkland was the first step in the further development of the Pollinator Park.
The New Ulm Park & Recreation Commission previously recommended approval of the parkland dedication.
The 2026 Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan recommends the enhancement provided in the conceptual design to include improvements of the 22.7 acres described as the Pollinator Park and Natural Resource Area.
"I can't thank the volunteers enough for making this park what it is," Councilor Warmka said. "It is an awesome part of town."
Councilor David Christian said it was a great use of the property and would like to see other natural resource areas within the city used in a similar way.
Councilor Tom Schmitz made the motion to designate the Pollinator Park and natural resource as parkland. It was unanimously approved.
Mayor Kathleen Backer wanted to extend appreciation to the Pollinator Park volunteers.
"I don't think we would be sitting here tonight approving this additional acreage if it wouldn't have been for their efforts," she said.