General Guidelines & Essential Information

The Owatonna Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department may modify, reschedule, or cancel activities due to insufficient enrollment, unforeseen circumstances, or other reasons. In such cases, participants may be notified, and appropriate arrangements, such as transfers or refunds, may be made. Any cancellations will be posted on the cancellation page and on the cancellation hotline at 507-444-4321.

For everyone's safety and enjoyment, we do not tolerate improper behavior such as use of profanity or other inappropriate language, unwelcome physical contact, abuse, theft, vandalism, or any other illegal activities. Offenders may be removed and banned from future participation. Thank you for respecting our community standards.

For all youth activities, the age/grade requirement will be as of the first day of the activity, unless otherwise noted in the activity description. All age requirements are set to benefit the participants by ensuring appropriate curriculum and safety.

The safety of participants is our top priority. By participating in Parks and Recreation activities, you acknowledge and understand that inclement weather may impact scheduled activities.  Decisions regarding activity cancellations or modifications are made as early as possible, with consideration for the well-being of all involved.  If you feel it is unsafe to participate, please do not attend. Please be aware of the following procedures:

Activity Cancellations: If severe weather conditions are anticipated or ongoing, Parks and Recreation may cancel activities. Cancellations will be updated on our Website and posted on our cancellation hotline (507-444-4321). 

Weather Considerations: Activities may be canceled or postponed due to various weather conditions, including but not limited to: 

• Lightning and Thunder: Activities will be canceled or postponed if thunder is heard or lightning is observed within a 10-mile radius of the outdoor event location. Resumption of activities will only occur 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or heard thunder.
• Heavy Rain: Activities may be canceled or postponed if heavy rain creates unsafe playing conditions, impairs visibility, or poses a risk of injury to participants.
• Extreme Temperatures: In cases of extreme heat or cold, activities may be canceled or modified to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. The decision will be based on relevant weather advisories and local guidelines. Forecasted weather indexes may be used to provide ample notification time.
  • Youth Activities
    • Heat index of 102 degrees, or greater, for more than 20 minutes during the scheduled activity time.
    • Active windchill warning – for outdoor activities only.
  • Adult Activities
    • Heat index of 110 degrees, or greater, for more than 20 minutes during the scheduled activity time.
    • Active windchill warning – for outdoor activities only.
  • Adaptive Activities
    • Heat index of 98 degrees, or greater, for more than 20 minutes during the scheduled activity time.
    • Active windchill warning – for outdoor activities only.
• Severe Weather Warnings: Activities will be canceled or postponed if there are active severe weather warnings in the area.
• Air Quality Index:
  • Youth Activities: Canceled if the air quality index value is greater than 175 during scheduled outdoor activities.
  • Adult Activities: Canceled if the air quality index value is greater than 200 during scheduled outdoor activities.

Weather-Related Makeup Sessions: Makeup sessions for canceled activities are scheduled whenever feasible. Makeup sessions will be communicated to participants.

On-site Safety Considerations: Participants are encouraged to prioritize their safety and the safety of others. If, at any time, weather conditions become unsafe during an activity, participants are advised to follow staff instructions and seek shelter as necessary.

All items, except those found at River Springs Water Park, Lake Kohlmier Beach House and Brooktree, are brought to the Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Administrative Office at 500 Dunnell Drive. Any items of value will be immediately taken to the Owatonna Police Department. All other items will be held for 1 month.  At that time, they are either disposed of or donated to a local charity.

• River Springs Water Park and Lake Kohlmier Beach House Boat Rental have a two-week policy for holding lost and found items due to the nature of items that are found. At that time, they are either disposed of or donated to a local charity.
• Brooktree Golf Course has a one-month policy for holding lost and found items. At that time, they are either disposed of or donated to a local charity.

The City of Owatonna uses photography or video recordings to document and promote activities. Photos or videos taken of those attending a community event, in public spaces or participating in programming provided by the City of Owatonna may be used in print and/or electronic media. Attendance at and/or participation in activities serves as consent to use photos or videos unless the City of Owatonna receives documentation limiting such use by email at info@owatonna.gov or by US Mail or in person at 540 West Hills Circle. There is no guarantee that images of individuals, for example, in team or group photos will not be used. 

A refund will be issued for an activity if the Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department is notified of the cancellation request 72 hours before the start of the activity. Refunds are subject to a $10 administrative fee. After the 72-hour deadline, no refunds are issued, except when due to injury or illness (these refunds are prorated, not to exceed 50% of the registration fee).

• Adult Athletic Teams: No refund is issued after schedules have been completed.
• Trips and American Red Cross Certification Courses: No refund is issued after the registration deadline.
• Memberships/Season Passes/Punch Cards:
  • No refund is issued except when due to illness, injury, or moving from the area.
  • Refunds are prorated, not to exceed 50% of the membership fee.
  • Summer Season Passes and memberships – no refund is issued after July 1.
• A full refund will be automatically issued for any activity canceled by the Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department (not subject to a $10 administrative fee).
• A full refund is available if the Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department makes changes to the original activity schedule, and the registrant can no longer participate (not subject to a $10 administrative fee).
• A prorated refund will be automatically issued if an activity is canceled by the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department before its completion (not subject to a $10 administrative fee).
• Registrations, season passes, and memberships are non-transferable. 

• Most activities have enrollment limits.
• Early registration is encouraged.
• All activities for which a fee is charged require pre-registration. 
• Class registrations are not accepted at activity sites. You must register before participating in any activity.
• Following the registration deadline, further registrations may be accepted based on availability, and subject to a late fee. Registration deadlines can be found on the online registration site.