NEW ULM — The Heart of New Ulm is hosting a special “Meet and Play with the ‘Chalk Lady’ of Move This Way” family event at North Park during New Ulm Park and Recreation’s Rec on the Go program from 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 24.

The community is invited to discover the creativity behind the Move This Way activity at the park and meet the talented artist, Kara Carlson, who brought it to life. The event will be held at North Park near the splash pad and Lions Shelter, and will feature activities for all ages, including creating chalk art with Carlson, Rec on the Go games, crafts and a performance of the Puppet Wagon Show at 10:15 a.m.  

Carlson became known as the “Chalk Lady” of New Ulm for drawing uplifting art on her sidewalk during the COVID pandemic. She has been involved in creative work and art projects since the ’90s when she graduated as an art major from St. Cloud State University.

The Move This Way activity was created at North Park last summer and two new stations were recently added to the original eight. The activity provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be active, talk, think and learn about topics related to their physical, mental and social well-being.

At different stations, people are encouraged to follow the prompts on a sign posted by each station to engage in an activity illustrated on the sidewalk, such as stepping, jumping, breathing, or following a line. After doing the activity, people can use the questions on the sign to spark discussion. The walk aims to educate the community about mental health topics such as trauma and anxiety and guide them to local tools and resources available on the Heart of New Ulm’s website.