OWATONNA PARKS, RECREATION AND FACILITIES

Contact Us

Parks, Recreation & Facilities Office

West Hills Social Commons

507-444-4321

507-444-4280

West Hills Tennis & Pickleball Center 507-444-4290

Brooktree Clubhouse

507-774-7100

River Springs Water Park 507-774-7370

Park Maintenance 507-774-7086

Director’s Message

Greetings, Discover growth by exploring Owatonna’s parks and trails! Join the Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department staff as we pursue self-growth this year by striving to learn something new every day!

Owatonna’s 867 acres of parkland in 31 parks and 17-plus miles of trails provide an ideal background for learning and for experiencing new activities.

This Activity Guide is filled with programs, camps, classes and opportunities to explore the outdoors, take advantage of Owatonna’s indoor recreation amenities and focus on self-growth. Take a walk alongside the Straight River meandering trail, play a round of golf, sign up for a pickleball class or join a softball team. Plan a family picnic, explore a playground or find a tree that is just waiting for you to relax in its shade with a good book or with your quiet thoughts. There truly is something for everyone all year ‘round.

Leading the Owatonna Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department alongside an outstanding team of recreation experts allows me to connect with resolute and enthusiastic residents who enjoy and take pride in our parks and trails. Our desire for quality has created literally hundreds of fun activities, programs, events and recreational activities to serve the community.

I encourage you to join our team on our self-growth challenge. Enjoy your learning journey, this is naturally yours!

Jenna Tuma Parks, Recreation & Facilities Director

Ways to Register

Online: owatonna.gov

By phone: 507-444-4321

In person: City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle (Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.)

Youth Activities

Soccer

Registration: February 21 through March 7

Ages: 5 through 6th grade

Cost: $50

Program Dates/Times: Kick-off will be April 17, 18 or 20 depending on age group at the Four Seasons Center with the season ending June 3 Coaches Meeting: April 10 – 6 p.m. at West Hills Social Commons, 500 Dunnell Drive. Use south entrance

Locations: Lincoln Soccer Complex

Description: Youth soccer program designed to teach the fundamentals of soccer. Teams practice one day during the week. Games are played on Saturday mornings at the Lincoln Soccer Complex.

Girls Lacrosse

Registration: March 7 through May 16

Ages: 1st & 2nd Grade

Cost: $32

Program Dates/Times: Tuesdays, May 5 through June 22 6-7:15 p.m.

Locations: Roosevelt Community School

Description: Goggles and sticks provided. Players provide mouth guards. Learn basics of lacrosse in a fun camp-style environment.

Boys Lacrosse

Registration: March 7 through May 16

Ages: 1st & 2nd Grade

Cost: $57

Program Dates/Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 24 through June 23 6 pm.

Locations: Owatonna Christian School field or Lincoln Elementary School field

Description: Helmets and sticks are provided. Gloves and shoulder pads are not provided but are recommended for the regular season and are required to participate in end of the season tournament. Players provide mouth guards.

Volunteer Coaches: The Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department relies on volunteer coaches for many youth programs and play an important role in the youth sports experience. Volunteers are trained in the philosophy of youth sports, first aid, concussions and how to teach skills for the specific sport. All volunteers must complete a background check each year. Consider volunteer coaching for the following youth programs; soccer, baseball, T-ball, football, volleyball, basketball and more. No experience is needed. Resources and equipment are provided. Call the Parks, Recreation & Facilities office at 507-444-4321 for additional information.

Youth Activities

T-Ball

Registration: February 21 through April 18

Ages: 5 or in Kindergarten

Cost: $42

Program Dates/Times: Mondays 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. June 5 through July 31 (No games July 3)

Locations: Brown Park, Jaycee Park or McKinley Elementary Utility Field

Description: First-time players learn basic mechanics of T-ball in a fun environment.

Mini Sluggers Baseball

Registration: February 21 through April 18

Ages: Kindergarten (with one year of T-ball) & 1st Grade

Cost: $45

Program Dates/Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30, 6:30 or 7:30 p.m. (varies each week) from June 6 through July 27

Locations: Multiple parks/fields

Description: With the goal of having 8-10 players per team, learn basic mechanics of baseball. Coach-pitch program focused on techniques, stances, hitting and fielding.

Little League Baseball Level 1

Registration: February 21 through March 7

Ages: 2nd Grade

Cost: $67

Program Dates/Times: Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. (varies each week) from June 5 through July 26

Locations: Multiple fields

Description: Pitching machine league with emphasis on participation and development of fundamental baseball skills.

All participants receive a team shirt and hat. Players provide pants, belts and socks. Coaches coordinate drills at practices and during games. Parents are strongly encouraged to assist if available. There are no evaluations, players randomly assigned to teams.

Little League Baseball Level 2

Registration: February 21 through March 7

Ages: 3rd & 4th Grade

Cost: $87

Program Dates/Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. (varies each week) from June 6 through July 27

Locations: Multiple fields

Description: Players pitch with an emphasis on participation and development of fundamental baseball skills. All participants receive a team shirt and hat. Players provide pants, socks, and belt. Coaches coordinate drills at practices. Games are officiated by umpires. There are no evaluations, players randomly assigned to teams.

Youth Activities

Preschool Programming

Preschooler

& Me: Nature’s Builders

Registration: February 21 through one week prior to program

Ages: 3–5

Cost: $5

Program Dates/Times: Session 1 June 15, 2–3 p.m.

Session 2 July 29, 2–3 p.m.

Locations: Mineral Springs Park

Description: Bring out your preschooler to learn more about nature’s builders. During this program, we will read a book, explore the park and make a fun craft to take home. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Minimum participants: 8 Maximum participants: 14

Preschooler & Me: Pond Study

Registration: February 21 through one week prior to program

Ages: 3–5

Cost: $5

Program Dates/Times: Session 1 July 13, 2–3 p.m. Session 2 August 26, 2–3 p.m.

Locations: Lake Kohlmier

Description: Explore what lives in and around Owatonna’s ponds and lakes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Minimum participants: 8 Maximum participants: 14

Preschooler and Me: Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt

Registration: February 21 through one week prior to program

Ages: 3–5

Cost: $5

Program Dates/Times: Session 1 June 24, 2–3:30 p.m. Session 2 August 10, 2–3:30 p.m.

Locations: Mineral Springs

Description: Explore the park while looking for awesome dinosaurs. During this program, participants will learn what it takes to be a paleontologist and practice digging up dinosaurs. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Minimum participants: 8 Maximum participants: 14

Backyard Adventure Camp

Registration: February 21 through one week prior to program

Ages: 8–12

Cost: $75

Program Dates/Times: Session 1 June 12–16, 9 a.m.–noon

Session 2 July 10–14, 9 a.m.–noon

Session 3 July 31–August 4, 1–3 p.m.

Locations: Mineral Springs, Lake Kohlmier

Description: Looking for an adventure in your own backyard? Join the fun and explore new games and activities to keep everyone busy all summer long!

Minimum participants: 12 Maximum participants: 20

Steele County Safety Camp

Registration: May 1 through May 31 (Registrations involving a scholarship or registrations done after May 31 will be done at the Owatonna Fire Department)

Ages: 3rd Grade entering 4th Grade Fall 2023

Cost: $20

Program Dates/Times: June 8 and 9, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Locations: Kaplans Woods/Lake Kohlmier and Fairgrounds

Description: The City of Owatonna is partnering with the Steele County Safety Camp Board and other local agencies to host the 2023 Steele County Kid’s Safety Camp. This is a two-day camp held annually for students in schools across Steele County. Kids learn about safety in a variety of areas including fishing, boating, firearms, geocaching, biking, fire, equipment and more. Participants receive a T-shirt, water bottle and drawstring backpack. A graduation and ice cream social are held at the conclusion of the camp for the kids and their families.

Outdoor Adventure Camp

Registration: February 21 through one week prior to program

Ages: 8–12

Cost: $75

Program Dates/Times:

Session 1 June 26–30, 9 a.m. –noon

Session 2 July 24–28, 1–3 p.m.

Session 3 August 7-11, 1–3 p.m.

Locations: Mineral Springs Park, Lake Kohlmier

Description: Discover the great outdoors in Owatonna’s parks. Learn about nature and gain skills such as archery, geocaching and survival skills.

Minimum participants: 12 Maximum participants: 20

Nature Investigators Camp

Registration: February 21 through one week prior to program

Ages: 4–6

Cost: $65

Program Dates/Times:

Session 1 June 19–22, 9 a.m.–noon

Session 2 July 17–20, 9 a.m.–noon

Session 3 August 21–24, 1–3 p.m.

Locations: Mineral Springs Park, Lake Kohlmier

Description: Discover new wildlife in Manthey Park and its surrounding woods. Explore frogs, snakes, birds, and other forest life. Each day if filled with outdoor activities, stories, nature hikes, and crafts. Getting outside has never been this exciting.

Minimum participants: 10 Maximum participants: 16

Youth Activities

Little Tykes Sports Camp

Registration: April 4–May 2

Ages: 3–6

Cost: $25

Program Dates/Times:

Ages 3-4

Session 1 June 12–15, 5:30–6:20pm

Session 2 June 19–22, 5:30–6:20pm

Session 3 July 10–13, 5:30–6:20pm

Session 4 July 17–20, 5:30–6:20pm

Session 5 August 7–10, 5:30–6:20pm

Ages 5-6

Session 1 June 12–15, 6:30–7:20pm

Session 2 June 19–22, 6:30–7:20pm

Session 3 July 10–13, 6:30–7:20pm

Session 4 July 17–20, 6:30–7:20pm

Session 5 August 7–10, 6:30–7:20pm

Locations: Darrt’s Park Utility Field

Description: Provides a healthy and safe camp environment and centers around building a love for sports such as T-ball, soccer, football and basketball. This camp provides just the right mix of instruction and encouragement with age-appropriate skill instruction. All the sports promote hand eye coordination, motor skills, group participation and communication skills. Tennis shoes and socks must be worn to camp. In the event of inclement weather, camp may be held at the West Hills gym. Makeup days will be Fridays of that week.

Minimum participants: 10 Maximum participants:15

Family Archery

Registration: February 21 through one week prior to program

Ages: 7+

Cost: $7

Program Dates/Times:

Session 1 June 10, 1–3 p.m.

Session 2 June 30, 10 a.m.–noon

Session 3 July 16, 1–3 p.m.

Session 4 August 5, 10 a.m.–noon

Session 5 August 5, 3–5 p.m.

Session 6 September 16, 10 a.m.–noon

Locations: Archery Park

Description: Archery is a great activity for the whole family! Learn about the basic components of a bow, how to shoot a bow and have fun shooting traditional and animal targets. Equipment is provided. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Minimum participants: 12 Maximum participants: 20

Family Geocaching for S’mores

Registration: February 21 through one week prior to program

Ages: 5+

Cost: $4

Program Dates/Times:

Session 1 June 10, 10 a.m.–noon

Session 2 July 9, 1–3 p.m.

Session 3 August, 13 1–3 p.m.

Locations: Archery Park

Description: Ingredients for a delicious treat have been hidden throughout the park. During this program, participants are given a GPS that will lead to the ingredients, but it won’t be easy. Families will still have to play hide and seek once you get close to find a treat. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Full Moon Kayaking

Registration: February 21 through one week prior to program

Ages: 12+

Cost: $8

Program Dates/Times:

Session 1 June 3, 8:30-10 p.m.

Session 2 August 1, 8:30-10 p.m.

Session 3 August 30, 8:30-10 p.m.

Locations: Lake Kohlmier

Description: Take part in a quiet and leisurely paddle around Lake Kohlmier under the full moon’s light. Watch for deer, herons, ducks and other wildlife.

Minimum participants: 6 Maximum participants: 10

Intro to Kayaking

Registration: February 21 through one week prior to program

Ages: 12+

Cost: $8

Program Dates/Times:

Session 1 June 11, 10–11:30 a.m.

Session 2 June 24, 5–6:30 p.m.

Session 3 July 22, 9–10:30 a.m.

Session 4 August 13, 5–6:30 p.m.

Locations: Lake Kohlmier

Summer Weekend Out

Movie in the Park

Registration: None

Ages: All

Cost: Free

Program Dates/Times: July 21 (Backup date of 7/22)

Locations: Brown Park

Description: Come out and join the community for a movie under the stars. Watch the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Facebook page to vote on the movie that will be played. Bring chairs or blankets.

Lake Kohlmier Special

Registration: None

Ages: All, kids under 15 need to be accompanied by an adult

Cost: Free

Program Date: July 22 from 12–7 p.m.

Description: Come out to Lake Kohlmier and give canoing, kayaking or paddle boarding a try. Stop by the boat house to sign a release and get out on the water. Riders must be at least 18 years of age to use the rental equipment. Any rider under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent/guardian (must be signed on site). Riders ages 13 and 14 may use rental equipment without an adult with them; however, an adult must be on a separate rental item within 30 feet of riders. Riders under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult using the same equipment.

Super Splash Sunday

Registration: None

Ages: All

Cost: $3.50

Program Date: July 23

Locations: River Springs Water Park

Description: Beat the heat and enjoy a day at the pool. $3.50 regular admission. Pool capacity is 715.

Description: Learn the basics of kayaking. During these programs instructors will provide a hands-on experience learning about basic paddling techniques and safety equipment.

Minimum participants: 6 Maximum participants: 10

Aquatics

Parent Child Level 1 & 2 Designed to promote parent and child learning together to increase comfort level in water and build a foundation of basic skills.

Learn to Swim Level 1 Swimmers learn basics of swimming. Designed to help students feel more comfortable in water and enjoy water safely.

Learn to Swim Level 2 Swimmers improve upon Level 1 skills independently. Designed to help students feel more independent in the water.

Learn to Swim Level 3 Swimmers begin learning more advanced strokes and swimming in deeper waters. Designed to begin working on stroke improvement and swimming in deeper water.

Learn to Swim Level 4 Swimmers continue stroke improvement and begin learning dives and swimming laps.

Learn to Swim Level 5/6 Swimmers become more proficient in their skills by swimming laps, refining strokes and diving.

Spring Group Swimming

Lessons

Registration: March 16 through one week prior to the program

Cost: $47

Parent Child through Level 3

Minimum participants: 3 Maximum participants: 5

Level 4 through Level 6 Minimum participants: 3 Maximum participants: 6

Spring Private Swimming Lessons

Registration: March 16 through one week prior to the program

Cost: $110 for 1 person $170 for two people

Location: West Hills Pool

Red Cross Lifeguard Training

Registration: February 21 through one week prior to start of class

Ages: 15+

Cost: $195

Program Dates/Times:

Class 1 March 27–31

Class 2 May 6, 7, 13

Class 3 June 19–23

Locations: Various locations

Description: Provides the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses. Prerequisites: Swim 300 yards continuously performing front crawl and/or breaststroke. Swim 20 yards, pick up 10-pound brick from 10 feet of water and return it back 20 yards. Must attend all classes to pass. No refund issued for those who do not pass.

Minimum participants: 5 Maximum participants: 10

Summer Group Swimming Lessons

Registration June Classes:

May 11 through one week prior to the program

Registration July Classes:

June 15 through one week prior to the program

Registration August Classes:

July 13 through one week prior to the program

Cost: $47

Parent Child Level 1

Parent Child Level 2