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October 27, 1999
Options for South German Park discussedBy GUY PRIEL Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- Finding a new area to dump snow from city streets is the concern of residents on German Street, who want to see a park developed in their neighborhood. The area between 7th South and 3rd South streets was designated park land in the original plat for the city in 1857, but the area has remained largely undeveloped as a park site. "We have looked at alternatives for storing the snow, but it is a difficult issue," New Ulm Street Department Director Tom Patterson said. The South German Park area as a place to deposit snow has advantages because of its location. It is close to downtown, making it suitable for dumping snow from downtown streets, he said. "It also has the advantage of size," Patterson said. "There are no other areas that we have looked at that are large enough for the snow we remove during a typical winter." The site was used to deposit debris from the July 20, 1998, windstorm. "I understand that the big issue with snow storage is the noise," Patterson said. "We have dealt with that somewhat. Curb hauling and dumping of snow, with the exception of downtown streets, doesn't start until 4 a.m." Changes in plowing policy must be authorized by the city council. "We haul some snow to the compost site, because no snow is taken to the German Park site prior to 6 a.m.," he said. "On the average we get 10 plowable snows a year." The amount of snow is not the issue, because it can be put on boulevards and corners and hauled away on staggered days, which can take weeks. The issue is the lack of places to put the snow. Even with proposed development plans, snow will still be dumped at the site until a better alternative site is found. Residents are concerned because they feel a park should be a clean place to play. "It's a commercial thing being put in a residential area," one resident said. "This park has been overshadowed by other projects. I know we have a snow problem, there is no doubt of that. I know it is expensive to use the compost site." Alternatives have been looked at, but the decision must come from the council, not city employees. The goal is to get the dumping out of the area, if at all possible, Bechtold said. "You have valid issues," City Council Member Denis Warta said. "We could develop the park and still leave parts clear for snow. We don't have unlimited land in town. We need to find the best use of our existing land." Residents along the boundaries of the park who were at the meeting said that the snow dump must be moved out of the park because its presence is a hindrance to development. Also, the snow might be contaminated with hazardous material such as oil, antifreeze and gas that would eventually go into the park's bordering wetlands and then into the Minnesota River. Residents argued that Warta wanted something different than they want for the park. They charged that he was not listening to what they were saying about the issues. "I want what you want, but it is not that simple," Warta said. "I proposed improving that park, but I have to carry the water. That is a difficult job. It won't happen that quickly." Other issues of concern for residents are development of an area that can be used for in-line skaters, skateboarders, bicyclists and walkers alike. "You want a place for rollerblading," Warta said. "I am not opposed to that. The city gave some land for use as a BMX track. I've seen rollerbladers using the dry rink area at Harman Park. These are special needs parents need to deal with." The plan for the park includes areas for such uses within a proposed trail area that will cross the park and will be lined with trees, benches and picnic areas. "This is a preliminary plan right now," Bechtold said. "It is not set in stone. We want to work with the neighbors to determine development of the park. What we want is immaterial. We need to get all the ideas and meet all the possibilities." The key to the process is to get input regarding shelters, play areas and other general use ideas to make it compatible with the historic nature of the area around the park. Residents are willing to donate time and money to see the park developed with trails, an enclosed shelter, a play area and other amenities if a plan can be developed with adequate access points. Another possibility is the construction of two soccer fields, at the lower end of the park. There is adequate space for back-to-back fields. The Park Commission is eager to begin addressing several park design issues. Donations for trees could even be earmarked for the park, as recent trees have been, Bechtold said. The residents want to lessen the German theme aspect of the park, retain the sliding hill and bring the focus of the park to children, with some type of play structure.
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