I would like to thank the managers, lifeguards and inside staff for each of their parts during the successful water rescue that occurred this past week at the Austin Municipal Pool.

Thank you to the patrons for your support of our pool and staff and we look forward to a warm and fun swimming season. Managers, keep up the great work you are doing with your crew.

 At the pool

We will offer water aerobics from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. beginning Tuesday, June 23. The first session will run Tuesday and Thursday through July 14 with our second session beginning July 16 through Aug. 6, the cost is $35 per session. You may choose one or sign up for both.

The hours for public swim at the pool are 1 to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday; 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday evenings; 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Individual season memberships are available for purchase at the pool or at the Park and Recreation office for $30. Daily admission is $3 per person and evening admission is $2 per person. Ages 2 and under are free.

 On track

Mark your calendar for the Gene Roden Memorial Track meet that will take place on Tuesday.

The meet will be held at the North Todd Park Complex this year. You will not find a traditional track but we will still hold events and have fun. Field events will begin promptly at 6:15 p.m. and running events at 6:30 p.m. This event is free for those 3 and up. Our concession stand will be open.

 Nature center fun

The Jay C. Nature Center rents canoes and kayaks for use on Dobbins Creek to East Side Lake or on our pond. Rentals are available Monday to Saturday (no rentals on Sundays or city of Austin holidays), now through Sept. 26.

Rentals are first-come, first-served. No reservations. Patrons who are 16 and older may rent canoes and kayaks and children must be accompanied by an adult. Single kayaks can be used by children who are in first grade and older. We have six single and two tandem kayaks. Life jackets and paddles are provided.

Patrons are responsible for transport of the canoe or kayak to and from the pond or Dobbins Creek. Canoe/kayak rollers will be available.

Individual canoe or kayak rentals are $10 for up to three hours. New this year you can purchase a canoe/kayak punch card for $25 and receive five canoe or kayak rentals for half the fee. Check or cash only. Punch cards are available in $25 increments only. We are not responsible for lost or stolen cards. Our special thanks go to Gary and Pat Ray for their generous donation and to the Austin Area Foundation for awarding us a grant to purchase the eight kayaks, paddles, trailer and equipment.

Nature Play afternoons are from 1 to 4 p.m. so get outside and discover nature with your child. Enjoy free canoe and new kayak rentals, a guest presenter with a nature program or music theme, pond scooping for aquatic critters, netting butterflies and dragonflies, archery, geocaching, crayfish hunting, self-guided nature trail activities, and more on eight select Thursdays: Thursday 18, 25, July 9, 16, 23, Aug. 6 and 20 and one Friday on July 31. For more information go to www.hormelnaturecenter.org or call 507-437-7519.

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The City of Austin web page is at www.ci.austin.mn.us for more Department info. Park & Recreation Office; 121 4th Avenue NE. Buy Mower Grow Mower and please recycle.