Register NOW for Spring Recreation Programs

Upcoming programs offered through the Owatonna Parks & Recreation Department include something for everyone! Check out the Spring/Summer Activity Guide mailed recently to all Owatonna addresses or view it online at www.owatonna.gov. 

Registration for most spring and summer programs, classes and camps began February 4. Additional details for all programs and facilities can be found online at owatonna.gov or on the Parks and Recreation online registration page at owatonnat.gov/prcatalog. Registrations are also accepted by phone at 507.444.4321 or in person at the Parks & Recreation Office, 500 Dunnell Drive. Ask about scholarships or serving as a volunteer coach for youth sports programs.

New Parks & Recreation Staff Announced

TW Dieckmann was selected to serve as the Park & Recreation Department’s director effective November 18, 2024. The City of Owatonna conducted a comprehensive selection process to identify the next Director of Parks & Recreation. The opening, advertised on local, state and national job boards, became available when the previous director Jenna Tuma was promoted to Assistant City Administrator.

Dieckmann has more than 20 years of progressively responsible experience in parks, recreation and community services, including 15 years as a director. He comes to Owatonna after serving as director in the St. Louis area. Dieckmann earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois and a master’s degree from Western Illinois University. “It’s an honor to be here.  Parks and recreation services add to our quality of life. I look forward to working with city leadership and serving this community,” said Dieckmann.

“We are excited to see how TW’s past work experience managing parks and recreation facilities and programs help the City of Owatonna continue advancing the ways it serves the community,” said City Administrator Kris Busse. The City’s Parks & Recreation Department provides programming and activities, recreation facilities, parks, trails, natural resources and more.

Managing Winter Snow & Ice

Winter months provide many recreational opportunities and pose a challenge when it comes to snow removal, slippery surfaces and recreational facilities. The Park & Recreation Department has trained staff and specialized equipment to handle all Minnesota’s winter scenarios. The City begins snow and ice control operations with any of the following conditions: snow accumulation of two or more inches, drifting snow that causes travel problems, icy conditions that seriously affect travel or road conditions that could deteriorate due to peak traffic volumes. 

After any snow event, the priority for parks staff is to help the streets crew remove snow on city streets. The next priority is to clear the downtown area before the roads are plowed, then trails, sidewalks, public parking lots and finally, skating rinks and ski trails. How quickly each one of these areas can be addressed is based on available equipment and staff. For example, staff may begin working on a trail when other staff and all available equipment for streets and downtown are deployed or in use. Snow removal and ice control may be suspended temporarily if weather conditions pose employee safety concerns such as ice storms, blizzard conditions or extreme cold.

Staff are certified through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for Smart Salting Training for parking lots and sidewalks. The training teaches best practices, improves operator effectiveness and reduces chloride pollution in nearby bodies of water and salt use while keeping parking lots and sidewalks safe.

Drivers and pedestrians are asked to use extra caution during winter months while on the roads and sidewalks and be courteous to city employees who are working to make these surfaces safer.