Online Reporting Tools 

Use SeeClickFix to Report Service Requests

Have a concern? Report it using Owatonna's online reporting platforms. Concerns that do not require an immediate response, such as potholes, broken playground equipment, ordinance violations, and stormwater issues can be reported online. 

The following categories have been established for community members to report issues:

• Parks and Recreation – broken park equipment, graffiti, trails, park sidewalks, park signs, park trees
• Signs & Signals – request the installation or removal of a street sign, street sign maintenance, traffic signals
• Streets and Sidewalks – potholes, roadway damage/debris, snow/ice removal, curbs/sidewalks, mailbox or property damage due to street operations, boulevard trees, street sweeping
• Stormwater – clogged storm sewer, stormwater pond, flooding, pollution 

When the City of Owatonna receives a report, the area in need of repair is added to a work order list that is monitored City Staff. Reports received may appear to be outstanding for an extended period of time, this is to be expected as Staff often addresses issues, such as minor pot holes and tree trimming, using a systematic approach and working in sections of town to increase efficiency. Please be assured that your report will be addressed when crews are in the area. Severe issues and ordinance violations are addressed immediately.

Visit owatonna.gov/concern to use the online reporting tools. 

Adopt a Park 

The Adopt-a-Park program was initiated in 2021 and community members have stepped up! Of the 36 areas including parks, trails and public areas available for individuals, organizations and businesses to adopt, only five are still available.

Park adopters are asked to visit their area at least once a month from April through October. Volunteers are given supplies including buckets, pickers, garbage bags and safety vests. Groups have even requested and led beautification and sustainability projects in the parks and on trails. Areas still available for adoption are the Archery Park, Crocus Park, Fremont Park, trail to and near River Springs Water Park area, Cashman Crossing from Kaplan’s Woods Parkway to Gainey Park. Thank you to all park adopters from the past and present!

Since parks are only as clean as their last visitors, there are also opportunities for one-time clean-ups by checking out a Park Clean-up Kit which are available any time throughout the year. 

All park visitors are encouraged to follow the ‘pack-in/pack-out’ mindset leaving nothing behind. For additional information, contact the Park & Recreation Department at 507.444.4321. 

Car Washing

Impact on the environment

 While it’s okay to hand-wash a vehicle, please consider how and where to do it. Most soap contains phosphates and other chemicals that harm fish and water quality. The soap, together with the dirt, metal, oil and other automotive fluids from vehicle flows into nearby storm drains. These storm drains flow directly into our stormwater ponds, ditches and the Straight River.

Algae Problems

The phosphates from the soap can cause excess algae to grow. Algae look bad, smell bad, and harm water quality. As algae die, the blooms sink to the bottom and decompose. During this processes oxygen is removed from the water. Fish and other aquatic life cannot exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.

How to Help

• Avoid using engine and wheel cleaners or degreasers.
• Pour soapy water down the sink or toilet rather than onto the driveway, sidewalk or street.
• Use a commercial car wash especially when cleaning the engine or the bottom of the vehicle.
• Use a hose nozzle with a trigger to save water.
• Use soap sparingly. Look for soap that is phosphorus-free.
• Wash the car on the lawn rather than the driveway so the water soaks into the ground.