Sign up in our office by Monday for the next Curling League held 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays at Packer Arena.

League will begin Jan. 2 and will run through Feb. 20. The fee is $90 per player.

We encourage a four-person team, however, singles are welcome and you will be placed with others.  Layer up and wear loose fitting pants so you can stretch easily, bring gloves and carry a clean pair of rubber-soled shoes.

Why should you try it?  It can be done by both men and women, the rules are easy to learn, it is good for your health and it is fun.

For the young baseball enthusiasts, Dome Baseball will begin on Monday, Jan. 7, for those 7 to 9 years old and Tuesday, Jan. 8, for those 10 to 12 years old.

This pitching machine league is designed for skill development and live game experience.  Deadline to register online is Dec. 31. Go to http://cityofapr.maxgalaxy.net or follow the link on the City of Austin’s website at www.ci.austin.mn.us, City Dept, Park & Rec — online registration.

Those youth 9 to 18 years of age interested in archery league — sign up online by today. League will be offered again on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-7:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 2-3 in the 4-H building at the fairgrounds. Cost is $60 for 11 weeks. Our Thursday class is currently full.

Parks

You will notice that restroom buildings will be closed and winterized until next spring!  Please be mindful if you use the trail system following a snow event or freezing rain that we do not do winter maintenance on the majority of the trails.  Exceptions include the Lion’s Park trail from Oakland Ave North to Packer Arena connecting to the Mill Pond trail. This is normally plowed after a snow event.

Nature center

Looking to catch some fresh air?

You can rent cross country skis and snowshoes at the Nature Center. Daily fees per-person for three hours are $6 for skis and $5 for snowshoes for adults, kids 18 and under are $1 thanks to a donation from Belita Schindler in memory of Dr. Richard Schindler.

Always check www.hormelnaturecenter.org for ski conditions.  The hours for our rentals during good trail conditions are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Thursday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Nature Center will again be offering free cross-country ski and snowshoe rental for adults and children from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday afternoons and will continue into March if snow conditions allow.

The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center does not require the Minnesota Ski Pass on our trails.

Izaak Walton Cabin

Did you know that you can rent the Izaak Walton Cabin in Todd Park all year long?

The Izaak Walton Cabin rents for $200 for the day (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.) with a $300 deposit on weekends and holidays. We also offer a rate of $25 per hour on Monday -Thursdays.

Our contract can be read at www.ci.austin.mn.us . Contact our office for availability.

You may also be interested in the venues at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center check their site at www.hormelnaturecenter.org.

Packer Arena

Packer Arena public skate dates: 6:30-8 p.m. tonight;  2-4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. These times are also posted on our Facebook page.

Having a birthday party or getting your friends and family together? Rent the arena. Call our office for times at 507-433-1881.

Packer Arena Stick time dates:  12-1:45 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

Riverside Arena

Riverside Arena game schedule: The Austin Bruins are home tonight and it is a great time to get your people together and take in a game.  They host MN Wilderness at 7:05 p.m.

Support our teams and check out a game!