Programs & Activities

Current Programs and Activities

View our online catalog for current programs and to register. 

Adaptive Recreation is our diverse range of enjoyable activities for both children and adults who have distinctive ways of moving, communicating, or processing information. The program emphasizes inclusivity and offers adaptive formats to ensure that everyone can have fun and connect with others throughout the year. Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun, get active, and enjoy the great outdoors together!

View our online catalog for current Adult Sports offerings and register. 

Adult Leagues Offered Yearly

Summer Leagues

• Bag Toss
• Co-Rec Softball
• Men's Softball
• Pickleball

Spring Leagues

• Tennis
• Pickleball
• Golf League

Fall Leagues

• Bag Toss
• Co-Rec Softball
• Men's Softball
• Tennis
• Pickleball

Winter Leagues

• Bag Toss
• Volleyball (Co-Rec, Women's and Men's)
• Tennis
• Pickleball

Adult Athletic Policy

View the Adult Athletic Policy.

Adult Programs Offered

• Noon Basketball

Swimming Lessons

View our online catalog for current American Red Cross Swimming Lessons offerings and register.

Lifeguard Training

Interested in becoming a Lifeguard, or have you recently taken your Lifeguard Training certification class? Owatonna Parks and Recreation offers up to $150 reimbursement if you become a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard and work for the city for at least three months. View our online catalog for current Lifeguard Training offerings and register.

Lifeguard Training Pre-requisites

• Swim 300 yards continuously (non-stop), performing either front crawl or breaststroke.
• Swim 40 yards, pick up 10-pound brick from 10 feet of water and return it back 40 yards using only a kick, holding the brick with 2 hands on the chest.
• Must be 15 at the time the class ends.
• You must attend all classes to pass.
• No refund will be issued if you do not pass.

Water Safety Instructor

Water Safety Instructors (swimming lessons instructors) are trained to teach children and adults water safety, survival and swimming skills and give community water safety presentations. It's a fun job that will help you develop teaching and leadership skills. View our online catalog for current Water Safety Instructor Training offerings and register.

Water Safety Instructor Pre-requisites

• Must be 16 at the time class begins.
• You must attend all classes to pass.
• No refund will be issued if you do not pass.
• Strokes you need to know proficiently for at least 25 yards each:
  • Back crawl
  • Breast stroke
  • Butterfly
  • Elementary backstroke
  • Front crawl

Programs

Water Aerobics

Water Aerobic classes are offered at the West Hills Tennis and Pickleball Center and River Springs Water Park (seasonally). For more information, visit the pages below.

• West Hills Tennis and Pickleball Center Water Aerobics
• River Springs Water Park Water Aerobics (June-August)

Owatonna Middle School Lap Swim 

There will be no morning lap swim if inclement weather causes Owatonna schools to have a 2-hour late start or close. Any additional cancellations or closings will be listed under Adult Activities on the Cancellations page.

View our online catalog for current dates and times.

Family Open Swim at OMS

Middle School Open Swim is an opportunity for families to come and enjoy swim time together. During this time, there will be 2 lifeguards on duty and the diving boards will be open. All children 12 years of age or under must be accompanied by a parent. Children with lifejackets must be within arm's reach of a parent at all times and are only allowed in the shallow end of the pool. A swim test will be administered prior to entry into the deep water/diving boards.

View our online catalog for current dates and times.

River Springs Water Park Lap Swim & Water Walking

Lap Swim and Water Walking are available seasonally at River Springs Water Park. Visit the water park programs page for information.

Current Programs and Activities

View our online catalog for current programs and to register. 

Join the year-round fun and take part in a variety of activities such as archery, snowshoeing, geocaching, full moon hike and so much more. Whether signing up as an individual or bringing along the whole family, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Come and explore the great outdoors and create unforgettable memories.

If you have ever participated in one of our programs, such as the Bold and Cold Program, Fall Park Passport Program, or Fun for Gem Days, you might have enjoyed hiking a trail or joining other community initiatives with us. We provide recreational opportunities to everyone and love collaborating with other community initiatives throughout the year.

List of Special events:

• Bold and Cold (More Info will be announced in Fall 2025)
• Gem Days
• Fall Park Passport (More Info will be announced in Summer 2025)

View our online catalog for current Youth Sports offerings and to register.  

Youth activities are in abundance and offer year-round programming for children. Parents can find a variety of options, including preschool activities, camps, individual programs, and a wide range of sports activities. These activities cater to different interests and skill levels, allowing children to develop new skills, socialize with their peers, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment. The preschool activities are designed to promote learning through play, while the camps provide opportunities for children to explore new interests, make friends, and build confidence. The individual programs are tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of each child, and the sports activities provide opportunities for children to stay active, learn new skills, and develop teamwork and sportsmanship. With so many options available, parents can find the perfect activity for their child, helping them to grow and thrive.

Coaching:

The Park and Recreation Department utilizes volunteer coaches for many of the youth programs the department offers. Volunteer coaches are a key ingredient in the offering of these youth programs. Please call the Park and Recreation office if interested at 507-444-4321. All volunteer coaches must fill out a background check on a yearly basis.

Youth Sports Offered Yearly

Spring

• Soccer  
  • Ages 5yrs & Kindergarten - play on a small half field with pop-up nets and no goalkeepers 3 vs 3
  • 1st & 2nd grade - play on a small field with goalkeepers 7 vs 7
  • 3rd & 4th grade - play on medium field with goalkeepers 9 vs 9
  • 5th & 6th grade - play on a medium field, possibly a game or two on a large field, with goalkeeper 9 vs 9
• Tennis
• Pickelball

Summer

• Adaptive Baseball
• T-Ball - 5 year-olds and Kindergartners
• Mini Sluggers (coach pitch) - Kindergartners (who played one year of t-ball) and first grade
• Baseball
  • Machine Pitch - Second Grade
  • Player Pitch - Third and Fourth Grade
• Tennis

Fall

• Football
  • First and Second Grade - Mini Huskies Skills Camp
  • Third through Sixth Grade - Tackle program
• Volleyball
  • First and Second Grade - Skills Camp
  • Third through Sixth Grade
• Tennis
• Pickleball

Winter

• Basketball - Kindergarten through Sixth Grade
• Tennis
• Pickleball

View our online catalog for current programs and to register. 

Parks and Recreation has  a variety of programs that offer a diverse range of fun and engaging activities that will keep you active and connected with others. An emphasis on inclusivity means that everyone is welcome to join in on the fun and enjoy both indoors and outdoors together.