By Kim Underwood

Anyone interested in curling?

We will be starting on Monday, March 9 at Riverside Arena. Stop in our office and sign up. The cost is $70 and will run 7 weeks through April 20. Curling times will be 6 and 8 p.m. with some set up necessary prior to each night. We can hold 24 people at each time slot.

We will hold another learn to skate partnering with the Bruins and Youth Hockey from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. beginning Wednesday, March 11 at Riverside Arena. The cost is $30. Participants will receive a punch card for six free public skate uses. This is open to all ages.

Think spring and mark your calendar for the free baseball clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at Austin High School.

The Austin All Stars, Austin High School and Austin Youth Baseball are partnering again this year and inviting all area kids ages 9 to 13.

There will also be a short break at noon for participates to enjoy a free lunch. A parent must register the participant at the door the day of the event. There will not be a pre-registration. Participants will need to have their own glove and tennis shoes, bats and helmets will be provided or they can bring their own.

Public skate times at Packer Arena are: 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Monday; 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Wednesday and Feb. 25, and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. The cost to skate is $4, skates can be rented for $1.

Adult open hockey is 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday and Feb. 25. We have added more dates including 7 to 8:15 p.m. Monday and 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 23. Watch Facebook and check www.ci.austin.mn.us for the calendar.

Austin Youth Fastpitch has started their registration for this summer. Girls 10U play on Wednesday nights, 12U and 18U play two nights per week; 12U and 18U play Monday and Wednesdays and 14U and 16U play Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

This is a traveling league. Parents are responsible for their player’s transportation. You can print a registration form from their website at www.austinyouthsoftball.com.

The Austin Bruins’ next home games will be Friday and Saturday March 27 and 28 hosting Aberdeen. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m.

Did You Know: according to Active Living Research, “Neighborhood disorder,” i.e., broken windows, litter and graffiti plus “social disorder,” i.e., loitering and public drinking are related to activity among children and adolescents. More disorder equels less physical activity.

Like us on Facebook “Austin Park & Recreation Department, Austin MN” to receive updates. The City of Austin web page is at www.ci.austin.mn.us for more Department information.