Facilities

Check pavilion availability and reserve online here.

Dartts Paradise

Mr. Edward Dartt had originally owned this parcel, which he termed “Dartts Paradise.” He had developed:

• Arched bridges spanning Maple Creek
• Ballfield
• Barge
• Bathing houses
• Boathouse
• Children’s playground
• Pleasure resort for older citizens

After Mr. Dartt’s death in 1903, the property rapidly deteriorated. After fruitless efforts to sell the parcel to the City, Mr. J.M. Diment bought it in 1907, and it became known at Diment’s Park.

City Purchase of Park

The City of Owatonna purchased this 18 acre property on December 28, 1915. It was sold to the City by Guy and Winnifred Bennett; M.J. Brown; and A.L. Sperry and his wife Gertrude. Terms of the sale were one dollar, and the assumption of a note of $2,600. Construction of park amenities by the City includes:

• Two tennis courts in 1959
• A picnic shelter in 1972
• A footbridge and dam in 1970
• A baseball scoreboard dedicated in 1977 (a $15,000 gift from the Owatonna Foundation)
• A combination restroom and picnic shelter during 1980
• New roads and parking lots in 1982
• Two new bridges in 1989

Improvements

The most recent improvement at Dartts Park was complete renovation of the baseball field. Through efforts of the Owatonna Baseball Association over $70,000 was raised by a public fund drive to purchase new lighting. The City invested another $40,000 to move and install fencing and to completely rebuild the infield and outfield, both of which now include underground irrigation. 1998 saw the construction of a section of the Buxton Trail through the park.

Rentals

• All day (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.): Small - $75 + tax, Large - $90 + tax
• Deposit: Small - $50, Large - $50