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Picking the next park

Park and Rec takes tour of undeveloped parks

By Dylan Jackson 3 min read

NEW ULM – Monday night's Park and Recreation Commission work session took to the road for a tour of park land considered for development.

Park and Recreation Director Joey Schugel drove commission members to six different parks in town. Following the tour, the group discussed which parks to prioritize developing.

"We have park-land dedication money to use and that money hasn't been touched for a long time," Schugel said. "Right now it sits a little bit under $400,000."

Factors to help determine which park should be prioritized include the population within 0.5 miles of the park, proximity to other parks, site accessibility, topography of the land, required utilities, opportunities for funding, and more.

The group began at Pfaender Park, which is tucked a few blocks behind North Highland Avenue past the 5th North Street hill.

Members liked the size and topography, noting that the 6.6 acres and relatively flat land would allow for a playground and shelter without the need for clearing or grading. There is also space for sports fields, but a good amount of dirt work would be required.

Residential growth from the recently opened Highland Apartments is another draw for prioritizing Pfaender Park.

Down the road, Schugel drove to North Highland Park which is currently being farmed. The park sits across from the High School. Members said the 2.3 acre park would be worth exploring if future housing comes into the area.

The group suggested it could be a possible site for collaboration with New Ulm High School if they look into expanding sports fields or other facilities in the future.

Continuing on, the group visited the 6.9 acre site of Maplewood Park. Park Board Members agreed that the park was not the best site due to topography issues. The area is currently being mined and has a water retention site that takes up lots of space.

Next, Schugel drove the group to Lakeside Park where Schugel said that the neighborhood has been vocal about wanting a playground at the 1.5 acre park. Members agreed that Lakeside Park was a high priority because of the 492 households in the 0.5 mile radius. Currently, the nearest park with a playground is North Park, which is 1.6 miles away.

Clearing and grading work is not necessary for Lakeside Park, and members said they could see a playground and shelter fitting nicely into the area while maintaining a good amount of green space.

Pollinator Park, which differs from the previous neighborhood parks, was the next stop. The 22.7 acre park is deemed a natural resource area. Existing as a refuge for native plants and Monarch Butterflies, the park is a popular location for community members and educational field trips.

Development of Pollinator Park would include the creation of natural play features. The group believed that alternative funding should be explored for Pollinator Park rather than using the parkland dedication money. Park and Recreation has been applying for special funding for the park the past few years.

The tour ended on the south side of town with South Market Park. The group said that people have been vocal about wanting additional parks on the south side of town. However, the group does not feel that South Market Park is the answer. Much of the 2.8 acre area is located on a slope going down toward the bike trail. Significant clearing and grading would be necessary, and the Board felt there was not enough room for a playground or other features.

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