Peace pole planned in Schonlau Park

Approved by parks panel

By KREMENA TODOROVA

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- After barely assembling a quorum a while after its meeting was scheduled to start, the New Ulm Parks and Recreation Commission gave its approval to a peace pole project in Schonlau Park.

The project is being sponsored by the United Church of Christ. The wooden pole would be located behind the Glockenspiel, and Parks Director Dave Bechtold told the panel it would require a minimum effort by parks staff.

Bechtold also sought to allay any fears that the pole would have religious connotations. He noted that the closest it would come to a biblical reference is the inscription, "May peace prevail on Earth," which does not have be interpreted in a religious sense. Bechtold noted that in winter, the usual Glockenspiel figurines are replaced by a Nativity scene, a potentially more controversial issue that has never drawn any negative comment.

* During its brief meeting, the commission also gave its approval to the construction of a ticket booth at Mueller Park. The New Ulm Baseball Association is funding the construction, with money left over from a larger project that cost less than expected. The earlier project, already approved by the City Council, which takes up matters after the parks panel, involves the construction this fall of a restroom and concessions stand, at $130,000 to $140,000. The booth would cost another $9,000 to $11,000. It would be made of the same material as the larger structures.