It is not too late to sign up for our summer recreation programs.

Students in grades fifth- through eighth-grade have the opportunity to try a tennis camp at the Wescott Athletic Complex, June 8-25, Monday through Thursday mornings with Fridays reserved for rain make-ups. The cost is $35 per student.

We are also offering an Intro to Dance camp for those in kindergarten through sixth-grade to be held at the I.J. Holton Intermediate School dance room. Students will meet in the morning on July 13-24 Monday through Friday, July 13-24. The cost is $30 per student.

Dylan Kaercher’s Theater Camp will be held again this year June 15-19 in the Ellis Middle School auditorium. This is a total theater learning experience with instructions in choreography, costumes, makeup, music, vocal and character development. The week will end with an exciting musical revue. The cost is $100 per student.

You can register for the above camps at the Park and Recreation office. More information on the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center classes as well as area sports or non-sports camps can be found on our city website at www.ci.austin.mn.us.

A reminder that our two free track meets will take place this year in the Todd Park North Softball Complex due to the construction taking place at Wescott field. The Gene Roden Memorial Track meets are sponsored by the Austin Noon Kiwanis for those participants ages 3 and up on June 16 and July 16. The field events will begin at 6:15 p.m. and running events at 6:30 p.m.

There is one more spring bird-watching date at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Meet in the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center parking lot and hike the trails for about an hour and a half to see a variety of colorful migrating birds. Binoculars will be provided upon request only. This event is co-sponsored by the Austin Audubon.

Are you interested in learning more about the stars? The Sola Fide Observatory scheduled viewing nights at 9 p.m. in May are the 16th and 23rd. From Interstate 90, take Highway 218 south for two and a half miles to County Road 28. Turn right (west) and go one mile to stop sign and turn left (south) on County Road 29 for one and a half miles to 180th Street. Turn right and go west for a quarter mile. The driveway is on the right.

The viewings are free to the public. Check out the website at www.hormelnaturecenter.org/sola-fide-observatory.

The Nature Center will again offer Nature Play Afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. on eight Thursdays and one Friday this summer beginning June 11 with Doug Elliott, storyteller and naturalist. Seniors register and mark your calendar as well to join in on the Summer Senior Specials on those same select Thursday mornings and one special Friday beginning June 11. The second annual Water Festival will be July 6 to July 10.

Did you know that you can book a private tour using the trail access vehicle? You must pre-schedule a minimum of four days in advance to check availability and trail conditions. Please call 507-437-7519.