North Mankato reports strong library and recreation use; pool repairs and new bookmobile discussed

At a Feb. 3, 2025 North Mankato City Council work session, the Culture, Recreation and Quality of Life Department presented its 2024 annual report, detailing high participation and economic impacts across the city’s pools, parks and library programs.

Aquatics and Recreation Coordinator Bromley reported that the city’s Swim Facility recorded 49,401 visitors in 2024 while open 76 days. Bromley said the facility offered 116 group swim lessons serving 756 children, 55 private lessons for families with non‑traditional needs, hosted 32 special events and 41 birthday parties, and sold 658 family and 66 individual memberships. Bromley also reported $123,000 in concessions sales for 2024 and said the department’s 2025 targets include 50,000 pool attendees, increased swim lesson participation, and $146,000 in concession revenue.

Culture, Recreation and Quality of Life Director Heintz told the council that cooler, rainy weather in June 2024 depressed membership purchases and said the department wants pool repairs completed before opening when possible because membership and attendance are higher in early summer than later. Heintz described the swim facility liner damage from 2024 flooding and said staff are weighing completing repairs before the season opens versus delaying to the end of the season when attendance typically falls.

Heintz also reviewed library activity: Taylor Library reported 148,552 circulations in 2024 and an estimated 94,237 library visits. The library hosted 777 events with 25,396 attendees, and the bookmobile logged 30,556 circulations with roughly 10,271 boardings. When Mayor Carlson asked about the bookmobile’s status, Heintz said the library plans to apply for a grant in 2026 to help fund a new bookmobile and estimated a replacement cost of about $500,000.

Parks and Recreation Coordinator Walsh reported that the Caswell Softball Complex hosted 21 events in 2024 (two rained out), produced an estimated economic impact of more than $8 million and recorded $127,063 in concession sales. Walsh said the Minnesota State High School League Girls’ State Tournament drew more than 11,000 paid admissions over three days. For 2025, Walsh said Caswell is set to host 24 events, including the ICS World Tournament, an eight‑day international event expected to bring 75 teams from about 15 countries.

Walsh added that the Caswell North Soccer Complex hosted 200 games in 2024 and was used by five outside schools; staff hope to work with Mankato United to host a college showcase, a high‑school showcase and a sectional championship game in coming years. Participation across the city’s sports programs included a rise in wrestling participation to 101 athletes (from 94), about 1,000 youth football participants, 191 youth soccer participants (ages 3–10), 33 junior tennis participants, 73 t‑ball participants, 49 youth golf participants and 35 youth volleyball participants. Adult recreation numbers included 91 summer softball teams and 95 sand volleyball teams.

Council Member Oachs moved, and Council Member Whitlock seconded, a motion to adjourn the work session at 6:45 p.m.; the transcript records the motion and second but does not provide a roll‑call vote tally.

The report provided the council with usage data and program goals to inform budgeting and scheduling decisions; staff indicated outstanding decisions on the timing of pool repairs and pursuit of a bookmobile grant will be addressed in follow‑up planning and budget conversations.