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Town Talk: Park and Rec System upgrades & improvements

For long-time residents and short-term visitors alike, the Park and Rec system in New Ulm can be large to navigate. Although most residents are familiar with the amenities of our system and its offerings, unless you venture into all the corners of the system continuously, you may be unaware of recent upgrades and improvements that have occurred over the past few years. Here’s a list to highlight just a few:

Playground Equipment: The most recently updated playground is located at German Park. It was the last major playground in the system to be upgraded to safe, modern materials that provide a play environment for all age groups and abilities. Most of the City’s playgrounds are modern and less than 15 years old.

Johnson and Mueller Baseball Parks: Multiple upgrades have been completed at each park to improve spectator experience. At Mueller Park, a shade sail has been installed above the main grandstand, along with high-visibility netting around the backstop to give spectators a great view in comfort. At Johnson, multiple upgrades and improvements will provide a new experience to anyone who enters the facility. These improvements include wide concourses, elevated observation deck, leaning spectator railings, and seated plaza areas.

Trap Range: In partnership with the Sioux Valley Gun Club, a new combination trap and skeet shooting range was added to offer expanded opportunities for users. The trap and skeet houses have been replaced and shooting fields re-aligned to create a 5-star facility.

North Park Splashpad: In the spring of 2020, final work will be completed on the 1st splashpad in New Ulm. This outdoor water play feature will be a great addition to the 2 existing wading pools to create a wonderful, interactive water play system for families to enjoy.

This summer, we will embark on three additional substantial construction projects;

Hermann Heights Park will be completely closed for the summer to realign Monument Street, install curb, gutter, sidewalks and repair the retaining wall along Center Street. Expect to see construction starting early spring.

German Park Amphitheater will be transformed into the area’s premier Outdoor Performing Arts venue. Over $800,000 has been raised by private donations of various amounts. Expect to see construction starting early spring.

Rec Center construction will begin midsummer to construct a new aquatics facility, indoor playground, gymnastics center and expanded wellness center.

We encourage all residents and visitors to check out these facilities, especially if you haven’t visited them in a few years. The Park and Rec system is as vibrant as ever and does warrant a visit; we’d love to see you!

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.

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