To the editor:

In response to the July 13 New Ulm Journal article: “City considers selling off green spaces,” does New Ulm have too many parks? Should we scale back or repurpose existing park space? First let’s keep in mind what is included in the defined 43 parks in New Ulm. I always thought that a park was a green space set aside for recreation inside our city. I was surprised to discover that it is more. The listing includes the fifth north holding pond, the Heritage Tree Monument, Defenders Monument, Art Wall, Recreation Center and Civic Center.

The Park and Recreation Commission listed nine potential parkland spaces for repurposing, reduction or elimination. Six areas are optioned for elimination. Once park land is gone, it is gone forever. Why would we want to do this? Is the City budget in that bad of shape?

In regards to the city being approached by developers to buy park land. I believe there is plenty of land to be developed without disrupting our park land. Just to name a few areas in development are Wech’s Second Addition, Maplewood Drive, Pfaender Drive and Cottonwood Street. Also, you can bet that the many acres of land around the High School and Airport will be developed in the near future.

Undeveloped park land – Commissioner David Christian stated “Do we really need it if we’re never going to do anything with it”? A few citizens agreed to manage the Pollinator Park, we were told there is no city money and no labor to help create the park. So we were on our own, and we have successfully taken measures to create and maintain the park. We have even held events at the park to educate the public on how to create their own pollinator gardens. Let’s get creative and utilize some of the undeveloped park areas!

For the Parks being considered for relocation or reduction, Chris Dalton suggested two acres could be sold for development at Pfaender Park. Again, why would we do this? This space is utilized for many activities already and maybe some day it could be used for a nice outdoor water park.

• City parks encourage active lifestyles and reduce health costs.

• City parks strengthen local economies and create job opportunities.

• City parks make cities more resilient.

• City parks increase community engagement and reduce crime.

• City parks help clean the air and improve public health.

Citizens of New Ulm, please realize the importance of our green spaces and the benefits of getting outdoors and exercising for ALL ages! Please don’t take away a positive thing we have going on here in New Ulm. Future generations will need our park system even more than ever.

Deb Steinberg

New Ulm