Vogel Fieldhouse opens today

Facility has track,

tennis, volleyball,

basketball courts

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Walkers, runners and people who enjoy playing tennis, basketball and volleyball have a new place to play.

The portion of facility now known as Vogel Fieldhouse that formerly housed a sheet of ice was recently covered with Mondo, an all-purpose, synthetic rubber surface.

The material absorbs sound, is slip resistant and is comfortable to walk and run on.

Ten laps around the three-lane track equal one mile.

Inside the track, there are three courts usable for basketball, volleyball, badminton and tennis. Each has a scoreboard.

A curtain divides the courts from the track. Curtains can be lowered to separate the three courts.

Youth and adult leagues are among the many options available for the courts, which can be rented for hourly fees.

The New Ulm Tennis Association donated funding for the tennis nets, poles and scoreboards, according to Recreation Center Staffing and Events Coordinator Cheryl Kormann.

Natural lighting was added to the west wall of the building.

Resident and non-resident users can pay annual admission fees, buy punch cards or pay each time they use the courts, track and exercise room.

"It's a nice addition to the community," Kormann said. "There is something here for all ages. It's a great addition to the building."

Recreation center hours through Dec. 31, are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

For more information or to reserve courts, call 359-8347.