As we approach the end of the school year and nice weather, people are enjoying the bike paths, so be cautious while you are driving past them. Also, remember that young children are excited to be outside playing and they don’t always remember to watch for cars. Please drive with alertly and cautiously.

The parks will soon be busy, so we would like to remind you of a few rules to follow while using our parks.

Parks are closed from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. There is no camping, driving or parking on the grass and no glass and hitting of golf balls. The speed limit is 15 miles per hour. Violations of this ordinance can carry up to a $700 fine. Thank you for following our rules and enjoy our parks.

Our pet ordinance reads: “Except as hereinafter provided, no pet animals, including horses, are permitted in public parks. Except for horses pet animals are permitted on all public trails and park roadways with the exception of the three fenced ball complexes: Todd Park North and South and RCC. While using the public trails and park roadways, pet animals shall be adequately restrained by a durable leash, cord, chain or other similar restraint and the pet animals shall be under the direct control of their owner, except that pet animals under the supervision of their owner may be unrestrained in the area designated as the dog park.”

The Dog Park area is located east of South Main Street between First and Second Street Southeast along the north side of the river.

Please clean up after your pet. City code reads:

“It is unlawful for any person who owns, harbors or has custody of a dog, cat or Vietnamese potbellied pig to cause or permit the animal to defecate on any public property or, without the consent of the owner, on any private property unless the person immediately removes the excrement and properly disposes of it.” (Ord. 245, second series, passed 6-7-91) Penalty, see 1.99.

The Community Gardens are ready for planting. Garden plots are 15 feet by 20 feet and rent is $20 for the season.

Water is available through a timed sprinkler system. The Community Gardens are located just south of Woodson Kindergarten Center on Fourth Street SW. Stop in to our office to pick one out.

Swim lesson sessions run for two weeks each and cost $30 per two-week session. Morning lessons have three time slots starting at 10 a.m. and evening lessons have two time slots starting at 5 p.m. Most classes run 40 minutes. Hhowever, the younger children are 30 minutes. You can receive a $10 discount if you sign your child up for a swim lesson and purchase a membership at the same time.

We are taking registration for summer activities. You may see our summer brochure on our web site at www.ci.austin.mn.us, click on City Departments, click Park and Recreation; you will find it by scrolling down to summer brochure 2014.

We are taking registration for summer activities. You can see our summer brochure on our website at www.ci.austin.mn.us.click on City Departments then Park and Recreation. You will find it by scrolling down to summer brochure 2014.

Check out the Jay C. Nature Center for their summer activities as well at www.hormelnaturecenter.org or by calling their office at 507-437-7519.

Need a place to rent? Check out our park pavilion selection for your family gathering, birthday party or special event. Our wonderful jewel, the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center also offers rental opportunities. You may give us a call to check on availability or stop in our office for details.

The Park and Recreation office is located at 121 Fourth Ave. NE and our phone number is 507-433-1881.

The Nature Center phone number is 507-437-7519 and they are located at 1304 21st St. NE to check on their availability.