Dig out that sweatshirt and take time to get outside and enjoy the fall weather before winter sets in.

Austin has 13.6 miles of trails to bike, walk or run on. This does not include the over 10 miles of walking/running trails within the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.

We hear a lot about moving our bodies to help us stay healthy. What can be easier than going for a walk? Give it a try to see how it helps to lighten your mood or make you feel energized.

You can view our trail map at www.ci.austin.mn.us. Scroll down on the left for the bike trail. The Nature Center has trail maps available in the Interpretative building or in the box next to the door of the visitor center.

Thank you to those who pruned trees or picked up green space during the Day of Caring on Oct. 5. We would also like to extend a thank you to Spruce Up Austin and Cornerstone Church for planting, pruning, mulching trees and the island landscape removal during Cornerstone’s Earth Beat Day on Oct. 12. Great volunteers do great deeds to make a difference.

If you are a fourth through sixth grader, we want you. Get your friends together and shoot some hoops. Sign up for our non-traveling basketball league on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Banfield Elementary School.

There is also still room in the second and third grade level, as well. This league will begin Tuesday and go through Dec. 10 for students in second through sixth grade. You must pre-register at the Parks and Recreation office prior to the first night. Cost is $17 per person.

Youth volleyball will begin on Saturday mornings starting Oct. 26 for fourth, fifth and sixth grade girls. You can still register at the Parks and Recreation office. Class is held at Banfield Elementary through Dec. 14 with no class on Nov. 30. The cost is $20. Call our office for more information.

Your next public skate opportunity will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Riverside Arena. The cost to skate is $4, and $1 to rent skates. Inquire about family or individual memberships. They can be purchased at our office or at the arena during open skates.

If you are thinking about joining our youth archery league for ages 9 to 18 in January, don’t wait too long. Classes are held on Wednesday or Thursday evenings and Wednesday only has two spots left. The cost is $40. League is held in the 4-H building at the Mower County Fairgrounds. Sign up at the Parks and Recreation office.

Austin Youth Basketball is currently taking registration with a deadline of Oct. 27. You can find a printable form at www.austinyouthbasketball.org. Mail or drop off the registration and money at the Parks and Recreation office, Games People Play or South Central Athlete.

Check out the Austin Bruin’s at Riverside Arena at 7:05 p.m. on Oct.25.