Think spring and mark your calendar for the free baseball clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at Austin High School.

The Austin All Stars, Austin High School and Austin Youth Baseball are partnering again this year and inviting all area kids, ages 9 to 13.

There will also be a short break at noon for participates to enjoy a free lunch. A parent must register the participant at the door the day of the event. There will not be a pre-registration. Participants will need to have their own glove and tennis shoes, bats and helmets will be provided or they can bring their own.

Pubic Skate times at Packer Arena are: 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 22, 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Monday and Feb. 16 and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. The cost to skate is $4. If you need skates, we have rentals for $1.

Adult open hockey is 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18 and 25. We have added three more dates, 7 to 8:15 p.m. Monday and Feb. 16 and 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 23. Watch Facebook and check www.ci.austin.mn.us for the calendar.

Austin Youth Fastpitch has started their registration for this summer. Girls 10U play on Wednesday nights, 12U and 18U play two nights per week; 12U and 18U play Monday and Wednesdays and 14U and 16U play Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

This is a traveling league. Parents are responsible for their player’s transportation. You can print a registration form from their website at www.austinyouthsoftball.com.

Austin boys hockey will host Albert Lea on Thursday. Junior varsity starts at 5:30 p.m. and varsity starts at 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

The Austin Bruin’s next home game will be on Saturday when they host Brookings. It will be Ladies Night. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m.

Did you know: according to a report by the Urban Institute, “Park programs can build psychological and emotional assets at the same time they challenge young people physically or intellectually.” (Source: Turner, “Urban Parks as Partners in Youth Development”)

Liking us on Facebook “Austin Park & Recreation Department, Austin MN” gives you updates. The city of Austin web page is at www.ci.austin.mn.us for more department info.