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.
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.
Volunteers maintain the park, as well as the planter in front of city hall. For information about participating in park beautification and maintenance, contact Shirley at 952-353-2208.
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 three seasons, the Mayer Lutheran High School girls softball team used this park as their home field. The team also helped with maintenance and upkeep.
Lindstrom Park also hosts softball one night a week, and more teams are sought after to fill the field. If a men’s softball team is looking for a field, call Eric at 612-968-1151.
A concession stand and bathrooms were built with a substantial amount of donated labor. Additionally, a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a shelter with several picnic tables are available for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. Contact Shirley for more information at 952-353-2208.
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. The Commercial Club brings in toys for younger children to enjoy during the summer. Also, shade trees provide a resting place at the park.
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. Other recent improvements include the addition of a new announcer’s booth on top of the concession
stand, repairs to the grandstand, and work on the field.
On this improved field, the New Germany Dutchman baseball team hosted a Region 7C Baseball Tournament in August 2017.
Something for everyone
There are a variety of recreational opportunities available in the city.
The New Germany Fire Department Relief Association conducts its annual softball tournament in the summer. Fire departments from across Carver, McLeod, Hennepin, Scott, Sibley and Wright counties take part in the event.
There are also activities for local children. The New Germany Commercial Club’s annual Halloween party takes place at city hall in October. This year, the Halloween party is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26.
Another popular annual event is a pancake breakfast with Santa, which will take place at city hall Saturday, Dec. 7. 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.