CITY NEWS
Cover photo by Loren Pietsch, North Mankato, MN – Sibley Park Pond
Mankato City Council City News
FALL / WINTER 2025
City Council Meetings
Mankato City Council meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted).
To confirm a Mankato City Council meeting, contact City staff at 507-387-8390. Access meeting minutes at mankatomn.gov/minutes.
City News is published by the City of Mankato to help keep community members well informed.
Questions and Comments
311 or 507-387-8692
MN Relay 711 pdavid@mankatomn.gov
Najwa Massad, Mayor
507-387-8693 nmassad@mankatomn.gov
Mike Laven, President, At-Large
507-720-8674 mlaven@mankatomn.gov
Michael McLaughlin, Ward 1
507-720-1093 mmclaughlin@mankatomn.gov
Dennis Dieken, Ward 2
507-720-1817 ddieken@mankatomn.gov
Kevin Mettler, Ward 3
507-995-0070 kmettler@mankatomn.gov
Jenn Melby-Kelley, Ward 4
507-720-2502 jmelby-kelley@mankatomn.gov
Jessica Hatanpa, Ward 5
507-613-8067 jhatanpa@mankatomn.gov
Vision
Leading the way as a vibrant, diverse, regional community.
Public Service Principles
Responsive: Prompt to respond and serve.
Efficient: Highest performance at greatest economy.
Greater Good: Serve for the good of the community and region.
Innovation: Embracing new ideas and methods to improve service delivery.
Open: Spirit of accessibility in policy making and operation.
Neighborly: Concern and compassion for others.
To bring you more in-depth stories and community highlights, we’ve reduced the number of City News issues and given it a fresh look with more pages. We hope you enjoy this new format!
City Manager MESSAGE FROM THE
I want to take a moment to share some of the work that’s been accomplished across Mankato over the past several months and where we are headed next guided by our Strategic Plan.
Our focus continues to be on building a strong, resilient, and wellconnected community. The completion of the Hilltop Planning Area Study and the All Seasons Arena renovation are two examples of how thoughtful planning and collaboration deliver lasting benefits for residents. Both projects reflect our commitment to safety, reinvestment, and community well-being.
We’ve also taken meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future through the development of Mankato’s Climate Action Plan. This work sets the stage for long-term improvements in air quality, energy efficiency, and climate resilience.
Several goals and actions outlined in the Strategic Plan are focused on housing. There are multiple initiatives underway to expand opportunities for residents at all income levels. These efforts are essential to keeping Mankato a community where people can live, work, and thrive.
Looking ahead, the City is advancing several major projects that strengthen our infrastructure and improve how we serve the public. Construction planning is underway for a new control tower at the Mankato Regional Airport, and we are about one third of the way through construction at the Water Resource Recovery Facility.
Thank you for your continued partnership and engagement. Together, we’re making steady progress—building on Mankato’s strengths while preparing for the opportunities ahead.
Sincerely,
Susan MH Arntz, Mankato City Manager 507-387-8695 sarntz@mankatomn.gov
BUZZIN’ ABOUT BEE A GOOD
Pollen-aider
How can you help bees, butterflies, and birds?
The answer: Bee A Good Pollen-aider, an innovative program created to encourage residents to grow healthy habitats for pollination.
It aims to have pollinator-friendly flowers, shrubs, and trees from early spring through fall, while cutting out pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides.
“We wanted to give pollinators an environment that was more beneficial than grass,” said Justin Lundborg, Natural Resources Specialist. “And there’s a ton of different options for you to do that.”
Some of those species are included in seed packets the City makes available each spring at farmers markets and other local events. Lundborg said some homeowners choose to go beyond gardens by making their entire yards friendly to pollinators, with the City
now offering permits for natural landscapes. There are also pollinator plants in City parks, including in Sibley, Land of Memories, and Prairie Winds.
Lundborg said everyone can “Bee A Good Pollen-aider,” no matter how small their space or yard.
“One of the messages we’ve tried to emphasize is that you don’t need a huge property to benefit pollinators,” Lundborg said. “Everybody can do something. If you’ve got space to install a garden, that’s great. If all you can do is plant a tree or put out flower pots, that’s helpful too. Everything helps.”
The City works with the Mankato Farmers’ Market to give pollinator seeds to residents in the spring and summer months. Stop by and pick up a small bag of seeds to get your own pollinator friendly space growing!
EVERY VOICE MANKATO
Be Heard
The City of Mankato wants to hear from you— and now it’s easier than ever. Every Voice Mankato is the community’s online hub for sharing ideas, providing feedback, and staying informed about City projects and initiatives.
Whether it’s a new park design, roadway improvements, or planning for the City’s future, Every Voice Mankato brings everything together so residents can get involved. Each engagement page includes background information, surveys, meeting details, timelines, and more—everything you need to understand what’s happening and how your input fits into the process.
The platform is designed to make community participation simple and meaningful. You can explore ongoing projects, see what others are saying, and share your own thoughts—all in one place and on your own time.
In fact, most of the stories in this edition of City News were shaped through Every Voice Mankato. The Community Investment Plan, Hilltop Planning Area Study, Climate Action Plan, Housing, Strategic Plan, Tourtellotte Pool, New Website, Sand Volleyball, Airport Tower—all have incorporated community input from Every Voice Mankato.
Your feedback helps shape the decisions that make Mankato a great place to live, work, and play. Scan the QR code to add your voice to the conversation. When every voice is heard, our community grows stronger.
Helping Paws
A SECOND CHANCE FOR MANKATO’S STRAYS
Almost a year running, the City’s impound for lost and stray dogs has been bustling with fourlegged friends.
A former parks building along Mound Avenue in Sibley Park was converted to make space for seven kennels.
It houses dogs that are lost or stray. The City works with the local animal rescue group Mending Spirits and the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society (BENCHS), to help find foster families and provide adoption services.
The impound also ensures dogs get proper care and, if needed, veterinary services.
“We’ve had animals come in that were in rough shape—some are even in pain—and we’ve been able to really help them,” said Mankato Police Department Commander Justin Neumann. “We’re able to get them to far better health than when they came in.”
At the time of print, the impound was housing 5 dogs which makes for 92 dogs impounded since opening in January. 57 dogs have been reunited with their owners and another 30 placed with partnering agencies.
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels
/ Mankato City News
Mankato’s Climate Action Plan
Mankato is taking proactive steps to create a more sustainable and resilient future through the development of a Climate Action Plan. The result is a roadmap to reduce local contributions to climate change and improve both indoor and outdoor air quality for all residents.
Funded by a Climate Action Grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the project marks an important step forward.
The City launched the initiative through several channels, including Every Voice Mankato, where community members shared ideas and priorities in a series of meetings and online discussions. There were several in-person opportunities as well for residents to share their ideas.
The plan unfolded through several key phases, each focused on understanding Mankato’s opportunities and challenges in addressing climate change:
• Community Engagement
• Transportation Assessment
• Ecosystem Assessment
• Community Resiliency and Vulnerability Evaluation
• Infrastructure Energy and Efficiency Assessment
• Community Health Assessment
• Community Economic Assessment
• Final Report
The Climate Action Plan has been presented to the Mankato City Council. Staff will begin work in this area in 2026 based on the Council’s direction and priorities.
Housing for All Building a Stronger Mankato
At the City of Mankato, our work is guided by a shared set of values—Respect, Integrity, Positive Attitude, Teamwork, and Accountability. These principles shape how we serve our community and how we approach a Strategic Plan priority: Housing.
We are working to preserve existing affordable housing, end homelessness, improve rental housing options, and create diverse types of housing to meet the needs of everyone who calls Mankato home.
This section highlights the many ways we are putting our goals into action. From expanding partnerships with developers and strengthening outreach to those experiencing homelessness, to investing in neighborhood improvements and creating incentives for new housing development— each effort reflects our commitment to building a community where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to thrive.
Together—with our partners, residents, and community organizations—we are shaping a Mankato that not only grows, but grows stronger, more connected, and more inclusive.
Lewis Lofts
OPENS DOORS TO RESIDENTS
When Cheryl Huppler toured her new apartment, she signed a lease on the spot.
Huppler, who had been living with her daughter in Mankato for almost seven years, is now in her own place at Lewis Lofts, a new affordable senior housing complex near Cub Foods West.
“I’d been wanting to be back on my own and this building is perfect for me,” said Huppler as she sat on a new sofa in her living room. “It’s spacious, it’s nice and it’s clean.”
Lewis Lofts features 64 apartments for people 55 and older who meet income guidelines, with some units reserved for those at 30% or less of the county median household income, and the rest for tenants up to 60% of the median. It includes a community room, a pet wash, a fitness center, raised-bed garden plots and in-unit laundry.
Huppler and many other Lewis Lofts tenants were on an affordable housing waiting list during its construction. The site, which once was the
location of the Public Works Department, was redeveloped and received approval for housing tax credits, state grants, and other subsidies to help fund the construction.
Nancy Bokelmann, Associate Director of Housing and Economic Development, stated that Lewis Lofts is an example of cooperation between local, state, and federal governments, that will benefit Mankato seniors for years.
“This is going to give them new opportunities,” said Bokelmann. “It’s a great location close to downtown.”
Huppler agreed, and said she’s already inviting her family over for visits and meeting new people.
“It really feels like home,” Huppler concluded.
“It really feels like home.”
–Cheryl Huppler
Commercial Rehab Program
GIVES LOCAL BUSINESSES A BOOST
When Patrick Anderson found a building for sale at 731 Front Street, he knew it could be the perfect spot to move his store, Pulp Comics, and Games.
“It was important for us to stay in the downtown area because we really liked the community and the fact that most of the businesses here are small and locally owned,” said Anderson, who bought the store in 2015. “That’s a big part of our identity.”
At more than a century old, Anderson knew the building needed work, but loved its character.
“The big thing is it needs a facelift on the outside,” Anderson said. “It’s a beautiful, old building and has so much charm with brick walls and hardwood floors.”
Anderson was already planning the makeover when he found out about the City of Mankato’s Commercial Rehabilitation Program, a forgivable loan that helps local businesses improve their buildings with new exteriors, better energy efficiency and safety.
The program gives business owners in designated rehabilitation areas a $25,000 loan that’s forgiven after 10 years if they still own the building. The
loans are interest free and have no monthly payments, but do require a 1:1 match from businesses.
Those guidelines were ideal for Anderson, who’s excited about owning his space after years of renting. He says he hopes to spend about $50,000 to refresh the property’s exterior and do some minor renovations inside.
“We put down roots here,” he said. “We’ve been here a long time and plan to stay, so we want to make sure the building is cared for and the neighborhood is being reinvested in.”
That’s one of the program’s goals, which since 2007 has issued $1,347,915 in loans to 54 properties across the city.
“It’s amazing how much this community is growing, and I think a lot of it has to do with the way the City, the city council and local businesses work together,” Anderson said. “Small businesses need the City and community supporting them because it’s hard to do on your own. Mankato has been fantastic.”
For more information about the Commercial Rehabilitation Program and how to apply, visit mankato.gov/commercial-rehab-program
Community Land Trust
MAKES HOME OWNERSHIP POSSIBLE
The Community Land Trust buys an existing house—but not the land—then sells it to a low to moderate income buyer. The Trust continues to own the lot and leases it for a small amount to the homeowner. By removing the value of the land from the home loan, buyers have lower down payments, closing costs and mortgages.
“We’ve seen this work in other towns in Minnesota, and we wanted to bring it to Mankato,” said Nancy Bokelmann, Associate Director of Housing and Economic Development. “It creates long-term stable housing.”
The Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership operates the Community Land Trust in a partnership with Mankato. In less than four years, there are now 23 homes in the trust. Those houses will stay in the program and can be resold at a similar discount to other income-eligible buyers, creating a pool of affordable homes that continues to grow.
The Trust is funded through a combination of city, county, state, and federal funding.
To find out if you’re eligible, email: swmhp@swmhp.org
Two of the new construction homes available to eligible buyers through the Community Land Trust program.
Working to End HOMELESSNESS
IN MANKATO
What can Mankato do to help people struggling with homelessness?
That’s the question the City’s housing staff is asking as it holds listening sessions for residents who use Mankato’s shelters.
One of those sessions was held earlier this year at Project Community Connect, where about 100 people gathered at the Civic Center to give their ideas and suggestions to City leaders.
Staff then checks in with some of those residents throughout the year to tell them how they’re using their feedback to make improvements moving forward.
“It’s important that we’re updating people on progress,” said Nancy Bokelmann, Associate Director of Housing and Economic Development. “People are happy their opinions are valued.”
Bokelmann said, for example, Mankato now has a goal to replace the existing day and night shelters with one that’s open 24/7 year round. From there, she said, people could move first into transitional housing and then into permanent housing and be connected to the resources they need.
The buildings will also offer support services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The development, estimated to cost a total of $18 million, is a joint effort by the City of Mankato, Blue Earth County, affordable housing developer Trellis Co., and local nonprofits.
A new apartment complex and shelter is on track to open late next year, a plan designed to help people who are homeless in Mankato.
Poplar Apartments, located at 751 Poplar Street, is expected to begin construction in the beginning of 2026. It will be built on a 1.5 acre site that was used to store snow and stage construction equipment.
Phase one will feature a 40 unit, three story apartment building, with the second phase planned as a year-round homeless shelter, including 20 emergency congregate shelter beds and 30 non-congregate privacy units.
Digital renderings of the Poplar Apartments.
All Seasons Arena RENOVATIONS COMPLETED AT
All Seasons Arena is a cornerstone of the region’s hockey and skating community. The arena underwent a major, multi-phase renovation to modernize the facility and enhance the visitor experience.
All Seasons Arena is a 34,000-square-foot facility that was originally built in 1973 and expanded in 1998. It’s currently owned by the Joint Powers ASA Board (City of Mankato, North Mankato, and Blue Earth County) and operated by the City of Mankato. Guided by community input, the $14 million project included updates that improved the arena’s usability and ensures it continues to meet the needs of athletes, families, and residents.
Phase 1 was completed in fall 2024, delivering upgrades to the North Rink with new ice making and refrigeration systems, improved spectator flow and accessibility, and enhanced amenities such as renovated restrooms and concession areas.
The completion of Phase 2 provided upgrades to the South Rink, lobby, and improved guest experience throughout the facility. With both rinks fully available for the 2025–26 season, this renovation has provided a vital community hub for high school and youth hockey, figure skating, adult leagues, and recreational skaters throughout the region.
Renovation Details
North Rink
• Replacement of the ice sheet concrete and cooling piping.
• Resized ice sheet to NHL size – 85’x200’. Before the sheet was Olympic sized.
• New mezzanine with standing room along the balcony.
• Increased spectator seating for 510.
• New boards and glass.
South Rink
• Replacement of the ice sheet concrete and cooling piping.
• Increased connection to guest areas.
• Conditioned space seating areas.
Refrigeration Room
• A 1,200 square foot addition was built on the west end to house the new combined ammonia refrigeration room to support both sheets of ice.
• The makeup of the piping under the new rink floors has a long life expectancy and the chances of leaking are significantly reduced over the life of the floor.
Concessions Stand and South Rink Guest Area
• Major goal of the reconfiguration of this part of the facility was to separate spectators from participants. To make this happen, the concession stand and public restrooms were moved to the upper level.
• The stairs and elevator lobby were opened to increase connection, and the access between the north and south rinks was relocated to allow full circulation of the building.
• Upgraded accessible restrooms.
• Inclusive restroom with adult changing table added.
• Below the concession stand is the dryland training area, spaces for the Mankato Figure Skating Club, the referee and areas to sit down to put on skates.
Lobby
• Renovated and expanded lobby space.
• Improved access to rinks from lobby area.
North Rink Lobby
South Rink
A Vision for Hilltop’s Future:
BALANCING GROWTH, SAFETY, AND NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER
In December of 2023 the Mankato City Council took an important step toward shaping the future of one of the City’s most dynamic neighborhoods by authorizing the Hilltop Planning Area Study. It’s a comprehensive effort to look closely at how the area bounded by Madison Avenue, Victory Drive, Main Street, and the Crocus Street bluff line is changing and how best to guide that change.
Hilltop has long been a mix of quiet residential streets, commercial corridors, and growing institutional campuses. With that mix has come new pressures—expanding institutions, redevelopment along Madison Avenue, and traffic challenges that test the character and safety of surrounding neighborhoods. The study set out to understand those challenges and uncover solutions that protect what residents value most.
Over several months, the City worked closely with the community through five public meetings, online engagement opportunities, and direct collaboration with institutional and commercial partners. Residents shared what matters to them: safer streets for walking and biking, calmer traffic, preservation of affordable homes, reinvestment in the neighborhood, and thoughtful management of institutional growth so that Hilltop remains a great place to live.
Transportation studies confirmed what neighbors had long observed: cut-through traffic, speeding, and crash patterns make walking and biking difficult. At the same time, the analysis highlighted opportunities for safer crosswalks, better sidewalks, and stronger connections for people traveling without a car.
Land use analysis underscored the balance of institutional and business growth while protecting homes, affordability, and sense of place that define the Hilltop community.
Out of this work came a set of recommended actions to guide public investment and neighborhood priorities:
• Make corridors safer by focusing on Dane, Dickinson, Marsh, and Long streets and Belle Avenue, adding sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and traffic-calming features.
• Integrate pedestrian safety into the 2026 Long Street reconstruction and future capital projects.
• Expand walking and biking options by filling sidewalk gaps, upgrading crosswalks, and improving Safe Routes to Schools.
• Preserve and reinvest in housing to keep homes affordable and prevent displacement.
• Explore parking alternatives that reduce pressure to remove affordable homes for institutional or commercial use.
• Invest in parks and shared spaces to enhance livability for all ages.
• Coordinate institutional growth through transparent, cooperative campus planning aligned with neighborhood goals.
Together, these recommendations outline a vision for how Hilltop can potentially continue to grow without losing its heart. The Hilltop Planning Area Study set out to offer a balanced path forward, ensuring that Mankato’s growth supports livability, safety, and affordability for generations to come.
Hilltop Planning Area Study Map.
On the Radar
City leaders make state bonding request for air traffic control tower at Mankato Regional Airport
“The amount of air traffic at the Mankato Regional Airport is just behind that of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and that’s not to be taken lightly,” said Shawn Schloesser, Associate Director of Transportation Planning Services.
As members of the state bonding committees in the MN House and Senate toured the airport earlier this year, many were surprised to learn that Mankato does not have an air traffic control tower.
The ask from the state is $1,265,100 with a request of more than $24 million from the Federal Aviation Administration.
“The need in Mankato is clear. Especially with the growth of Minnesota State University’s pilot training program, which now has more than 700 students. The airport operates 20 hours a day, seven days a week,” Schloesser concluded.
With more than 126,000 operations annually, the airport is primarily used for flight training, business travel, charter services, and recreation. The airport has about 100 based aircraft, including single and multi-engine planes, jets, and helicopters.
Members of the Senate Bonding Committee with City Manager Susan Arntz (left) and Mayor Najwa Massad (front right).
Digital rendering of the Mankato Regional Airport.
Gateless Parking
In an effort to modernize parking and enhance the downtown experience, the City of Mankato is transitioning its four main parking ramps to a gateless system.
Drivers no longer need to stop at exit gates to pay for parking, allowing for faster and more convenient entry and exit.
Exit gates have been removed from the following ramps:
• Mankato Place Ramp (425 S. Riverfront Dr.)
• Civic Center Ramp (125 S. Riverfront Dr.)
• Second Street Ramp (320 S. Second St.)
• City Center Ramp (515 S. Riverfront Dr.)
Instead of paying at the gate, users can visit pay stations or the scan QR code posted on signage throughout the ramps.
How It Works
The system requires entry of a vehicle’s license plate number and accepts credit/debit cards and mobile wallets.
Once payment is made, drivers may exit freely without stopping. Parking ramps are routinely monitored by enforcement officers and vehicles without a valid payment during enforced hours may receive a citation.
Free Parking Periods
The first two hours of parking are free in all four ramps. In addition, parking is free after 5 p.m., on weekends, and during special events.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve accessibility, reduce traffic congestion, and align Mankato’s parking system with modern practices used in cities nationwide.
Working Against the Clock
Crews work against the clock to complete important milestone at the Water Resource Recovery Facility
After months of planning, the new disinfection basin at the Water Resource Recovery Facility is online.
“This is a milestone in the multiyear project,” Karl Keel, Interim Public Works Director at the City of Mankato, stated. “We needed to hook up the pipe that feeds treated wastewater into the new disinfection basin. That pipe is 3 feet in diameter and located 20 feet underground.”
The WRRF needs to remain functioning during all construction phases, which presents unique challenges to engineers, contractors, and staff. In this case, the treated wastewater that continues to flow had to be diverted to holding tanks while the new pipeline was attached.
“The holding tanks have only so much capacity. We had about 18 hours to get the new disinfection basin pipe connected before the holding tanks would begin overflowing,” Keel added.
All the preparation and contingency planning paid off and the entire process went as scheduled and as planned.
The $93 million project is about one-third done. It is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
The WRRF serves 65,000 people in the region, including residents in Mankato, North Mankato, Eagle Lake, Madison Lake, Lake Washington Sanitation Sewer District, South Bend Township, and Skyline.
Life-saving Message
DELIVERED IN MOCK CRASH
Mankato Department of Public Safety along with a number of local and state agencies conducted a mock crash at Loyola High School in October. The goal of the mock crash was to send a life-saving reminder of the dangers and consequences of unsafe driving behaviors—such as drinking and driving, distracted driving, speeding, and not buckling up.
The event used vehicles that have been involved in crashes and students participated by acting out roles as crash victims. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Minnesota teens, claiming the lives of around 30 teens each year in the state.
Additional partners in the event were the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato Mortuary, Affordable Towing, South Central EMS, and Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.
“Mock crashes are an effective and impactful way to educate teenagers about the true consequences of poor and dangerous driving decisions,” stated Jeremy Clifton, Director of Mankato Department of Public Safety. “When students see their friends and peers carried out in body bags and another being handcuffed, it hits home. It’s a somber yet strong message focused on influencing teen driving choices.”
Parents are urged to reinforce teen driving laws such as belt use, passenger limitations, nighttime driving, no cell phone use and no texting, including when stopped in traffic. They should also know where the teen driver is going, who they’ll be with and when they’re expected to be home.
“Parents must stay as involved with their teen’s driving habits just as they do with their grades, athletics, and other activities,” Clifton concluded.
Volunteering as a Team
When the staff at APX Construction Group come and go from work each day, many drive by Peacepipe Park near the company’s new headquarters on Mankato’s east side.
So, when they heard about the City of Mankato’s annual Earth Week volunteer day in the spring, APX’s employee volunteer group signed up right away to help clean up the park and several other areas nearby.
“It was fun to get involved in a neighborhood that’s new to us,” said Jamie Jacobs, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We all enjoyed getting our group involved and seeing how we can impact the community in a positive way.”
The APX group spent about three hours gathering trash and litter around Basset Ponds along Highway 22, as well as the park and its playgrounds.
Just some of the 300 people across the city who took part in the second annual event. In total, nearly 300 volunteers from the community collected approximately 2,300 pounds of trash and debris in honor of Earth Week, April 16–22. City staff supported the effort by providing safety vests, gloves, trash bags, and equipment to help clear Mankato’s green spaces and waterways.
“People often say how clean Mankato is, and we take a lot of pride in that,” said Jacobs. “It’s a small way to give back.”
City Notes
Building a Better Connection
The City of Mankato is creating a new website designed to better serve the community. Earlier this year, residents were invited to share their thoughts through a community survey—and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated. Your feedback is helping shape a website that reflects what matters most to you.
We want to make it easier to find information, access services, and stay connected to what’s happening in Mankato. This effort directly supports the City’s strategic plan and its goal of fostering a community where all people are connected, heard, and informed.
Through this project, the City continues to:
1. Educate and raise awareness about City services.
2. Engage intentionally with residents in ways that meet people where they are.
3. Provide tools and training for staff to strengthen community engagement.
4. Use and evaluate innovative digital platforms that make participation easier.
Look for the website to be even more accessible, intuitive, and inclusive—a place where everyone can easily find what they need and feel connected to the City.
MANKATO 311: ONE CALL DOES IT ALL
From 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, contact Mankato customer service staff by simply dialing 311 or 507-387-8600, or use the live chat feature online. Outside of office hours, enter a customer service request online or email 311@mankatomn.gov.
mankatomn.gov/customerservice
Tourtellotte keeps everyone cool
Tourtellotte Pool made a big splash in Mankato this year thanks to the renovation that was decades in the making. Summer of 2025 was the first full season that Tourtellotte Pool was open. A total of 19,342 people came to Tourtellotte to cool off this summer.
The park has an Olympic-sized swimming pool with eight lanes for lap swimming and a zerodepth-entry family pool.
Tourtelette Park opened in 1940. The last upgrade before this new renovation was back in 1982.
Bump, Set, Spike
The newest addition to Buscher Park has been completed. The new sand volleyball court was finished in time to get in some games during the unseasonably warm stretch in the fall.
Intergovernmental Center
10 Civic Center Plaza
Mankato, MN 56001
Photo by Amber Masloski, Mankato, MN –Hiniker Spirit