NG parks offer outdoor recreation
By Brianna Mathias
Editorial intern
New Germany’s parks provide space for all kinds
of outdoor activities, and are popular places during the
summer months.
The New Germany Commercial Club oversees the
parks, and the city maintains them.
Lindstrom Park is available for summer family picnics. The city does not charge for use of the parks, although the Commercial Club will accept donations. All
monies received are put back into the community.
Upgrades in some of the city’s parks were made in
2013, New Germany Commercial Club member Shirley
Jaeger noted.
Gazebo Park
The land for Gazebo Park was donated by Jim Kilbane
about 15 years ago. The gazebo and surrounding trees
and shrubs were installed at the time of the “Herman
USA” filming.
The garden club was formed to renovate the gazebo
and rejuvenate the nearby plants, and it maintains the
park, as well as the planter in front of city hall.
Lindstrom Park
Lindstrom Park was formed in the early 1980s, and
hosts softball teams for men and women.
“We always welcome teams to come in and play,” Jaeger noted. “Once a year, we co-host a tournament with
Hollywood Sports Complex, which brings teams from
all over the state.”
For the last two seasons, the Mayer Lutheran High
School girls’ softball team used this park as their home
field. The team also helped with maintenance and upkeep.
A new concession stand and bathrooms were built
with a substantial amount of donated labor. A volleyball
court, horseshoe pits, and a shelter with several picnic
tables are also available for the enjoyment of residents
and visitors.
Tower Park
“Tower Park, named after the former location of the
water tower, is for our children of the community,” Jaeger
noted.
It includes swings, slides, and other playground equipment for younger children, and a basketball hoop for
older children.
Baseball Park
Softball and baseball are long-standing traditions in
the New Germany community. Baseball Park was created to host seasonal baseball leagues and their fans. In
recent years, the park has been updated with a new scoreboard, grass infield, and concession stand. An irrigation
project was also completed. More upgrades are planned,
and the park will host regional baseball in 2017.
Something for everyone
There are a variety of recreational opportunities available in the city.
The New Germany Fire Department Relief Associa-
12
2016-17 Edition
Children had a chance to meet Recon, a K-9 member
of the Carver County Sheriff’s Office, during National
Night Out in New Germany.
Photo by Ivan Raconteur
tion conducts its annual softball tournament in the summer. Fire departments from across Carver County take
part.
There are also activities for local children. The New
Germany Commercial Club’s annual Halloween party
takes place at city hall in October, with plenty of games
and treats for the kids.
Another popular annual event is a pancake breakfast
with Santa, which takes place at city hall in December.
Children can have their photos taken with the jolly old
elf.
In the spring, there is an Easter egg hunt with plenty of
fun activities for children.
In the summertime, folks enjoy watching New Germany’s amateur baseball team, the Dutchmen. The Dutchmen host a pork chop dinner each year on Fathers Day.
Volunteers help keep the city looking good, and donate their time to organize events in their community.
Each year, the city, along with several businesses,
hosts a National Night Out celebration.
“This year, we were fortunate to have the Life Link
Helicopter come and land in our city,” Jaeger said. “People could see the machine up close.”
Sarah
Heuer,
Sarah Heuer, DDS
DDS
General Practice
New Patients Welcome
Wheelchair Accessible
Emergency,
20 Juniper St. N.,
Preventive, and
downtown
Lester Prairie
Cosmetic Dentistry
for Families
(320) 395-2323
Community Guide
NEW GERMANY