By Kevin D. Nelson

Austin Parks and Recreation

Yesterday, Friday, April 26, Austin Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, along with Spruce Up Austin, planted eight new trees near the Izaak Walton Cabin in Todd Park to honor Arbor Day.

Thank you to all that helped to plant.

On April 1, Austin Mayor Tom Stiehm proclaimed “the last Friday in April and the month of May, Minnesotans pay special tribute to our trees as natural resources and dedicate ourselves to the vitality of our forests.”  Think about the indirect economic value a tree in your yard can be for you.

If you have room in your yard, a tree can help to lower your air-conditioning costs just as planting trees for a windbreak can help with your heating costs.  When planting a tree in your yard, a little research will go along way as it is all about planting the right tree in the right place.  Check out the Arbor Day site at www.arborday.org/trees/righttreeandplace.

Austin Park and Recreation will be planting trees again this fall in the boulevard.  If you want a tree, please call our office at 507-433-1881 to get on the plant list.  We compile a list by the date you called in for a tree; if we run out of trees, we hold you over to the next fall.

Community Pride

Community Pride, stretching through Tuesday, encourages volunteers to help pick up garbage left behind from winter in our parks and public green spaces.

Stop by our office in City Hall at 500 Fourth Ave. NE to get some garbage bags and disposable gloves. You can pick the area and date that you want to pick up. This is very flexible, and both groups or individuals are welcome.  Thank you for your time, help, and pride in our Community.

We Are Water

The public kick-off for We Are Water MN is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. Many other related water-themed community events and activities are following in the weeks ahead.

Summer employment

Are you looking for summer employment?  You may stop in to pick up your application or print the seasonal application off our web site.

Park and Recreation has many part-time job opportunities for ages high school and up.  Are you retired and looking for something to get you outside?  We may have something for you.

We are seeking two people for our 6-inch cut mowers, one person to paint lines and other park maintenance, someone for the tree crew, push mowing and weed eating crew, a landscaper/flower planter for the large pots and park flower beds, and recreation positions including a pool co-manager.  Always check our website at www.ci.austin.mn.us  for the employment information and to print off the seasonal/temporary job application.

Summer registration

Our online summer registration is now open for Park and Recreation and Jay C. Hormel Nature Center programs.  Our summer brochure can be reviewed on the City website so you can start your planning.    Reminder -— we have online registration at cityofapr.maxgalaxy.net or go to www.ci.austin.mn.us and follow the link.

Summer hockey

Packer Summer Hockey Practice sign up is underway.  You may pick up a form at our office or print if off of our Facebook page and return it to Jason Merritt.

Practice is open to the first 30 skaters ages 14 to 18 by June 3, the same day the session starts.  Practice will be held at 6:30 a.m., which leaves the rest of your day open.  There is a new format this year incorporating skating two mornings and dryland two mornings.

Riverside Arena

Public Skates: 4:15-5:45 p.m. Sunday.

Stick Time: Always watch Facebook for additions to stick time or public skates.

Did you know?

The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that $76.6 billion could be saved on medical costs annually if all inactive American adults became active? The season is here to get out and enjoy Austin’s parks, nature center, and other open spaces in the surrounding area.