The restoration of the Herman Monument was a key focus, as the city council recently discussed a proposal from architects McDonald and Mack. This plan includes cost estimates crucial for securing future state legacy dollars. The city council has expressed support for the proposal, which will facilitate funding requests. The director emphasized the need for concrete cost estimates to present to legislators and mentioned that a professional service contract is expected to be developed within eight weeks, with the goal of presenting to legislators in 2026. The monument, inspected annually by a structural engineer, has not shown issues, assuring its stability.

The meeting also delved into the Park and Recreation comprehensive master plan update. This plan will outline a 15-year vision for the parks and recreation system. A staff workshop held on October 3 focused on visioning for the master plan, and a draft is expected to be shared at the December meeting. Public engagement has been a significant component, with surveys reflecting community priorities such as maintenance, safety, and expanded amenities like restrooms and aquatic facilities. Community partnerships and the role of various interest groups were also emphasized, highlighting the unique contributions they make to New Ulm.

The master plan update is at the 50% completion mark, with an emphasis on understanding community demographics. This includes examining discretionary spending on recreational activities and its impact on families with varied income levels. The plan aims to enhance community offerings that promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and social interaction. After a presentation on these elements, the commission unanimously approved a motion to receive and file the master plan update.

In another significant agenda item, the commission considered a fee waiver request for a career expo scheduled for March 25, 2026, at the civic center. This event targets eighth and tenth graders from local and surrounding school districts. The director explained the logistical challenges faced when the event was previously hosted at the high school, leading to the use of the civic center arenas. The projected cost for the arenas was mentioned, and following a discussion, the commission recommended the city council approve the fee waiver, which passed unanimously.

Donations received by the department were also reviewed, totaling $9,278. These contributions support park projects, including memorial trees and benches at multiple parks. The commission expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity, and a motion to recommend the acceptance of these donations was unanimously approved.

The meeting further addressed the proposed vision statement for the Park and Recreation Department, stemming from a recent workshop. The statement emphasizes collaboration and accessibility. While some commissioners noted the repetition of the term “collaborative,” the draft was unanimously adopted.

During the staff report segment, ongoing projects and seasonal changes within the parks were highlighted. Parks had been winterized, with water facilities and bathrooms closed for the season. The Miller Park backstop project was underway, with phase one of concrete work completed. Improvements planned for Washington Park, including new siding for its bathroom shelter, were also discussed.

The department activity report noted a successful ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Washington Park Playground, attended by the mayor and local students. New family and teen skate nights at the civic center were announced. The commission unanimously accepted and filed the reports for September and October.