Did you know that you can rent the Izaak Walton Cabin in Todd Park year-round?

You can call our office to check availability. The Izaak Walton Cabin rents for $200 for the day (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.) with a $300 deposit on week-ends and holidays. We also offer a rate of $25 per hour Monday-Thursday.

The related rental contract can be viewed on the city’s web site at www.ci.austin.mn.us. You may also be interested in the venues at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. You can check their web site at www.hormelnaturecenter.org.

Youth archer

Youth archery begins soon and will be held in the 4-H building at the Mower County Fairgrounds. Youth Archery will run on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Jan. 8 through March 12. Please register at the Park and Rec office by Jan. 3.

Refreshing change in winter weather?

My wife and I were to travel this weekend, but the forecast of bountiful snow (and wind) to the north and west may be keeping us closer to our new home of Austin.

For some, the lack of snow around here for sledding, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling might be a real disappointment. However, for some others like the snow plow crews, it may be a relief as it means not having to spend what might be their last vacation days of the calendar year moving snow. It also means many of us will not have to utilize our snow shovels and snowblowers over the weekend.

Given that there isn’t much snow locally, outside walking is still available at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center or any place you find a sidewalk. Indoor options for walking are available at Packer Dome at Wescott Athletic Complex or at the YMCA. Check for hours at both facilities.

Whatever your preference might be, for wintery weather or lack thereof, for indoor activity or outdoor, I hope you have a blessed, safe, and healthy new year!

Public skating

Packer Arena public skate dates:

Noon to 1:30 p.m., today

2-4 p.m., Sunday

3-5 p.m., Monday

5-7 p.m., Tuesday

3:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday

4-5:30 p.m., Friday

These dates/times are also posted on our Facebook page.

Warming houses

Warming house hours for Kaufman, Galloway and Skinner’s Hill (dependent upon adequate snow/ice conditions) – Through Jan. 1, all warming houses: 1-5  p.m. and 6-9 p.m.

Beginning Jan. 2: 6:30-9 p.m., Monday through Friday and 1-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Facebook

You can like us on Facebook at “Austin Park & Recreation Department, Austin MN.” You can visit us in person at the Park & Recreation Dept. at 500 4th Avenue NE, or at www.ci.austin.mn.us. Call us at phone at 507-433-1881.