New Ulm’s Park and Recreation Department is Game On for Park and Recreation Month!

Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month. Created by the National Recreation Parks Association (NRPA), Park and Recreation Month specifically highlights the vital and powerful role our Department plays in conservation, health and wellness, and social equity efforts in communities all across the country.

This year, it’s all about highlighting the fun, games and exciting offerings! From providing special events to exciting sports and everything in between, New Ulm’s Park and Rec Department offers a wide variety of programs that are not only fun, but also bring the community together. July is the perfect time to highlight benefits we provide right here in New Ulm by encouraging everyone to get out there and get in the game in their own way at our local Parks and Recreational facilities.

Parks and Recreation directly contribute to reduced obesity rates, an improved ecosystem and increased property values. We are leading initiatives and providing opportunities for people of all ages to achieve healthier lifestyles, promote and understand nature and conservation as well as bringing the community closer through a variety of programs and services. Below is a list of ways you can get your GAME ON!

Try out our FREE Rec on the Go program.

Participate in one of the many age-appropriate camps for children ages 3-10.

Improve swim skills by taking swimming lessons or join Hermann Swim Club.

Get to Know Nature by registering for a Nature Camp.

Play cards or games in one of our 40 some parks.

Try out pickleball in Lincoln Park or play indoors at the Rec Center.

Visit our Bavarian Castle playground in German Park or one of our many other playgrounds in the system.

Enjoy nature by hiking, biking or rollerblading on the trail.

Join us for National Night Out in German Park on July 29 from 5:30 p.m. to dusk.

Check out the beautiful view of New Ulm by Full moonlight on top of Hermann Monument on July 19 or August 17.

Attend the Day of Play in German Park August 15 that is sponsored by 40 local businesses and service organizations.

Skate at the Civic Center or Skate Park.

Attend a Community Concert at German Park.

Watch a puppet wagon show.

Take the children, grandchildren or friends to one of our FREE wading pools.

Register for a theater or pottery class.

Share a nutritious noon meal and conversation at the Community Center.

Try our outdoor fitness equipment found at Harman, Washington and Lincoln parks.

Try out the BMX Bike Park

No matter how, we would love to see it and share with others! We are challenging individuals to submit a digital photo discovering one of the wonderful amenities our Park and Rec system offers, after all, we are in the business of putting smiles on faces! Throughout the month of July, there will be three weekly contests with a winner chosen for each category. Each weekly winner will receive Chamber Dollars to Shop New Ulm! Categories are:

July 9-15: Best Selfie

July 16-22: Best Action Shot

July 23-29: Nature Shot or Structure

Photos in .jpg format must be emailed to lizm@newulmmn.gov by the last date of each weekly contest. Only one photo can be submitted per person each week. Please see summer brochure or website for full set of photo contest rules or call 233-2121, ext. 203 for contest rules.

The opportunities are endless!

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Editor’s Note: The City of New Ulm presents a weekly column highlighting activities in different departments in the city government. Once a month the city will answer questions from readers. Questions on New Ulm city issues can be sent to comments@ci.new-ulm.mn.us .