City Meetings This Week

The public is invited to attend the following City meetings this week. Agendas, meeting minutes and City Council packets are available in the Agenda Center on the City’s website: https://owatonna.gov/agendacenter.

June 12: Economic Development Authority Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Meeting Room at the Charles S. Crandall Center.

June 13: Airport Commission Meeting at 8 a.m. in the Meeting Room at the Charles S. Crandall Center.

June 18: Study Session at 5:30 p.m. in Chambers at the Charles S. Crandall Center with updates on the Public Land Trust and various boards and commissions. The City Council Meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

Recreational Fire Guidelines

Be considerate of the neighbors

Sitting under the stars by a crackling fire has its appeal. It’s where stories are told, sing-a-longs happen, and meals are cooked over an open flame. While recreational fires are allowed within the City of Owatonna without a permit, the following requirements must be followed:

• Fires may be no larger than three feet in diameter and two feet in height and contained within a pit or devise designed for such use. Fires must be at least 25 feet away from all buildings or combustible materials such as wood, paper, and plastics.
• Recreational fires must be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A fire extinguisher, charged garden hose, dirt or sand must be readily available to extinguish the fire.
• The only materials allowed in a recreational fire are unpainted and untreated dry wood, coal, or charcoal. 
• Be aware of very dry and high wind conditions which might make the fire unsafe.

For more information, visit the Fire Department FAQs on owatonna.gov.

Volunteer Reserve Officers Needed

The Owatonna Police Department offers citizens a unique way to support the community by volunteering as a police reserve officer. This volunteer unit is made up of dedicated, unlicensed officers who generously donate their time to help make the community safer.

The Police Reserve Unit serves an important role in enhancing community safety by working alongside sworn police officers on various calls for service and providing services at numerous community events. Reserve Officers may also be called to assist during natural disasters or other emergencies that require additional personnel.

The Owatonna Police Department welcomes reserve officer applicants of all ages and backgrounds who have an interest in serving the community. Officers must be at least 18 years old, reside in Steele County, possess a valid Minnesota driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record and have no criminal convictions.

For additional information or to request an application, please contact Pam Roberts at 507.774.7200 or Pamela.Roberts@owatonna.gov.

Stormwater Management Projects

The City of Owatonna is gathering information to complete a comprehensive surface water management plan. Input and participation from community members is greatly appreciated for this project.

Community Flood Survey

Minnesota is getting more rainfall at greater intensity. By sharing your observations, you will help build a better understanding of the impact of current and future storm events on the community. Have you observed flooding in your neighborhood? Let us know! Complete this short survey regarding any observed flooding in or around your neighborhood.

Pollutant Reduction Strategy

The City of Owatonna is currently working toward achieving phosphorus and sediment reduction goals through various infrastructure enhancement and improvement projects. Learn more about the City’s actions to reach pollution reduction goals by visiting the Owatonna Pollutant Reduction Strategy website which outlines possible sources of pollutants, the City’s pollutant reduction plan and ways you can help get involved!

Owatonna Parks Provide a Variety of Play Options!

Owatonna’s most spacious playground at Manthey Park is an inclusive playground completed in 2020. A rubberized surface with 12 pieces of equipment is inviting for all ages and abilities. A short stroll down the trail leads to outdoor music equipment and a bit further takes you to the Miracle Field. Another inclusive playground, built in 2021, can be found at Lake Kohlmier. The connected playset leads from one feature to another with sturdy platforms. Several pieces at Gainey and Mineral Springs Parks are accessible as well.

Some unique playground features in Owatonna include the popular Clubhouse-themed playground at Morehouse Park. Jaycee Park is the home of Owatonna’s only Expression Swing, where parents and children can swing together face-to-face! The Fairgrounds playground has a rock wall and sand table.

The play equipment at Mineral Springs, Gainey, Brown and Dartt’s Parks are more classic and can provide hours of fun! These playgrounds are next in line for upgrades when funding becomes available. A few small neighborhood parks exist with just a few pieces of equipment to enjoy while doing other activities at the park. Willow Park on Highland Avenue and North Bluff Park on Northridge Lane NE each have swings and other play equipment.

A different playing experience can be found at Sid Kinyon Courts. When tennis courts needed to be closed due to their disrepair, a DNR grant allowed the City to refurbish a tennis court, add pickleball courts and a turf play area. The turf area is for permanent bean bag boards, ping pong table and bocce ball court. The best thing about playing at Sid Kinyon is that no equipment is needed! A Borrow Box is provided with the equipment you need to play any of the games.

Owatonna’s playgrounds are inspected monthly by City staff who are Playground Safety Inspectors certified by the National Recreation and Park Association. Each playground has areas rated for ages two through five and five through 12. The parks provide fun recreational areas for all ages. For additional information about Owatonna’s parks and the amenities at each one, check out the Park Finder App.