Photo courtesy of Forsee Studios An aerial view of Johnson Park in New Ulm.

NEW ULM — New Ulm’s Johnson Park has been known as one of the finest baseball facilities in Minnesota.

Now, the Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association has gone one better.

Johnson Park has been named the 2022 MPSTMA Field of the Year.

Ryan Weier, the Facilities Maintenance Supervisor for the City of New Ulm Park and Recreation Department, said he was informed of the award.

“They were really impressed by Johnson Park, Johnson Field and Mueller Parks,” he said. “So they encouraged and sponsored our application. I filled out the application, submitted it. There was a short list of finalists and a small group of voters from the Metro area came down to New Ulm to inspect the fields — they took a vote and Johnson Park won.”

Weier said that the key to the award focuses on the playing surface and the high quality of the turf.

“Not so much the ambience of the facility itself,” he said. “It adds to it, but the focus is on the high quality level of the field of play and the turf.

“The reason we were given the award was because of the high level of turf play, the smoothness and consistency of the dirt and aglime and clay products that we use. And within the ambience that is the historic Johnson Park.”

Weier said that the award is s prestigious one.

“This is a state-wide organization and award,” he said. “There is only one award of this kind each year. In the past, CHS Field has won it, so it is pretty prestigious, especially to be won by an out-state Minnesota field. Generally it has been focused around the Metro area. So for us to get it here really highlights the work that we do with our volunteer groups to provide something that very few people are provided at this level.”

Weier said that this award is a team award for not just the City of New Ulm staff and people but for the multitude of volunteers, mainly the New Ulm Baseball Association.

“And also for our trade partners that we partner with for consultation for products and supplies. This is not just a City of New Ulm award — it shows a great partnership between the City, the volunteers and all of the people that care about that field and put the time in behind the scenes.

“This award goes to the people who are long gone before the first people show up at the field for a game. Before the players and spectators show up, this award is earned already. Getting the field ready, repairing the field along with the volunteer hours from NUBA (New Ulm Baseball Association) and city staff.”

The award will formally be awarded on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 10:45 a.m. at the Annual Meeting of the MPSTMA at the Minneapolis Convention Center.