Elf in the Park

Win a River Springs Water Park pass!

Timmy, Buddy and Candy are back for the season. Over the last few years, the elves have adventured through Owatonna, gotten lost or brought a new friend along. This year, they will take on all of Owatonna’s winter activities! Don’t be surprised to see the elves rolling down Cedar Avenue in this year’s holiday lighted parade or chilling outdoors in parks and on trails. Join in their adventures by following along on the Owatonna Parks and Recreation Facebook page!

 How does Elf in the Park work?

The elves will explore nine different locations between December 1 and 20! Watch the Owatonna Parks and Recreation Facebook page for elf sightings. We’ll post a picture of where they were spotted. You must find the location and take an “elfie” (selfie) of yourself (or kids) at the spot to be entered into a drawing for a 2024 River Springs Water Park Season Pass! The more spots you find, the more likely you are to win! Submit your photos by commenting a photo on the Facebook post or by emailing your photo to parkrec@ci.owatonna.mn.us
 
 Parents: Be on the lookout for posts on December 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20.

Indoor Swimming

Participants must register in advance for these programs online or by calling Owatonna Parks and Recreation at 507-444-4321.

Family Open Swim

New this year, Family Open swim will take place at the Owatonna Middle School and West Hills Pool. There will be two lifeguards on duty. All children 12 years of age or under must be accompanied by a parent in the water. Children wearing lifejackets must be within arm's reach of their 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 at the middle school. No payment will be taken at the door.

Owatonna Middle School (6:30-8:30 p.m.) November 17, December 22, January 26, February 16, March 22

West Hills Pool (1-3 p.m.) November 11, December 9, January 13, February 10, March 9, April 13, May 11

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. Ask about pre-requisites and class options when registering.

Youth Sports Programs Supported by Owatonna Eagles, Businesses & Coaches

Owatonna Eagles President Jim Karsten and Trustee Dan Kubista presented the Owatonna Youth Scholarship Assistance Fund Chair Tyler Cochran with a $3,500 donation October 26. This donation was made available through the Owatonna Eagles’ charitable gambling fund. Through the charitable gambling fund, the Owatonna Eagles donated $118,627 to the local community over the past year.

The Youth Scholarship Assistance Fund is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports Owatonna youth in participating in programs and services offered by the City of Owatonna Parks and Recreation Department and the Community Education Kids First programs.

The Owatonna Parks and Recreation Department extends appreciation to its sponsors for their invaluable support for youth sports programs. These contributions allow the City to provide low-cost programs and ensure participants have access to jerseys and equipment for various sports. These sponsorships provide positive exposure for businesses and nurture healthy lifestyles and team spirit among youth. The list of sponsors is long and their vital role is appreciated and acknowledged.

The dedicated volunteer coaches who support these programs through their tireless efforts also deserve recognition as their contributions make a significant impact. By committing more than 3,500 hours, their efforts are instrumental in managing practices, scrimmages and games. Participants’ parents are encouraged to consider coaching.

With the youth basketball season fast approaching and plans underway for soccer next spring, community members are invited to get involved as volunteer coaches to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Owatonna’s youth athletes.

For information about how youth can apply for Youth Scholarship Assistance fund, coaching opportunities or to donate, contact the Owatonna Parks and Recreation office at 507-444-4321.

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