Over the last year, the Recreation Center has undergone construction for the RENU improvements. The upgrades include a new aquatic center, gymnastic center, indoor playground and a fitness center.

The fitness center portion of the project is complete and will be open to the public Monday morning. The fitness center will eventually be open all day for users.

The new fitness center features additional equipment. Around 90% of the equipment is new. Assistant Park and Rec Director Cheryl Kormann said the free weights were the biggest expansion to the fitness center.

The fitness center is located to the right of the front desk entrance. To the left of the entrance is the indoor playground facility. The playground is still being installed. When complete, it will be the tallest playground structure in New Ulm.

The new aquatic center is still under construction, but is expected to be complete by the end of September.

The location of the former pool was renovated into the gymnastic center. The former pool was filled in with sand and concrete. The pit section of the former pool was retained for use in the new gymnastic center.

The new aquatic center was added to the south side of the building and will feature several new amenities including a zip line and ninja cross course. The ninja cross course will be the second installed in the United States.

The recreation center will be open year-round and will have daily admission as well as punch card and memberships.

A special price will be available for individuals who only wish to use the fieldhouse track or indoor playground.

The entire project is nearing completion. New Ulm Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz expected project completion to occur in September.