The next Austin Noon Kiwanis Track meet will be held on Thursday, July 26 at Wescott Athletic Complex.

Field events begin promptly at 6 p.m. and running events at 6:30 p.m.  The June meet had 169 participants.  Thank you to the Kiwanis volunteers and support they give to us!

Nature center

Nature Play Afternoons on Thursday’s continue on the following dates: July 26, Aug. 23 and Aug. 30, from 1-4 p.m. Get outside and discover nature with your child! Enjoy free canoe or kayak rentals, pond scooping for aquatic critters, nature programs, archery, netting dragonflies and butterflies, crayfish hunting, survival games, and/or self-guided nature trail activities. Canoe and kayak availability is first-come, first-served, for an adult (18 and over) with a child (adults must accompany children). Please call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org for more information or visit the website: www.hormelnaturecenter.org.

On Thursday, July 26 check out the Nature Play Learn about the world of owls through the Owls & Us Game Show featuring Karla Bloem of the International Owl Center.

You’ll get to meet a live owl too, plus “Nature Rocks” rock painting in our craft room and free archery practice during the Nature Play times. This is a Free Program as stated above from 1-4 p.m.

How about getting on the water? The Nature Center rents canoes and kayaks for use from Dobbins Creek to East Side Lake or on our pond. Rentals available Monday-Saturday (no rentals on Sundays or holidays), through Sept. 22. Life jackets, paddles, and canoe/kayak rollers are provided. Fee: $10 for up to three hours. Purchase a punch card for $25 and receive five canoe or kayak rentals for half the fee! Call 507-437-7519 for more information. A signed liability waiver must be on file at the Nature Center (children 17 and under must have waiver signed by an adult).

Swimming pool

Mark your calendar for the free family fun night at the pool on Friday, July 27. Dee Randall will be back to DJ the music and we are also thankful that our summer recreation assistant Molly and staff will be leading the games. We are extending a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors; the VFW, the Austin Eagles Club and APAC!  Without their help this event would not exist.

The Austin Municipal Pool will be closed on July 20 – 22 to host the Minnesota Regional Championship swim meet.  Stop on by and check it out.  The splash pad will be open from the parking lot gate for the public use.

Public skates

The ice is back in at Riverside Arena! Beat the heat and get in some cold laps over the lunch hour on a pair of skates. Public skate times:  July 23 and 30 from noon  to 2 p.m.; July 24 and July 31 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.; July 25, noon to 2 p.m.; and July 26, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  We will offer stick-time on July 24 and July 30  from noon-2 p.m.  We are in the process of collecting schedules from various teams so check our Facebook page as we will update this calendar as we add times.

Archery

The Cedar River Archery Club will host a youth day on Aug. 4 out at the range for a fun day of activities. For more information call 507-438-7619.

Softball

It is time to get your men’s fall softball team together! The deadline for registration is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22 in the Park and Recreation office. You will need your roster with 10 players with the $8 fee each and your team fee of $258. This is a double header league which will begin Aug. 29 through Oct. 3. For more information give us a call.

Ikes cabin

Are you looking for a location to host a family event?

The Izaak Walton Cabin is open year-round. We have updated the serving and clean up area this year as well.  The cabin is also available Monday – Thursday for meetings at $25 per hour and a $150 deposit.  The weekend rate is $200 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. with a $300 deposit.

This is a great venue for family gatherings!