As we approach the end of the school year and nice-weather people are out enjoying parks, playgrounds and bike paths either riding or walking please be cautious while driving past them.

Also a reminder that young children are excited to be outside playing, and they don’t always remember to watch for cars, please drive with awareness.

 Get to the parks

Did you know that park use continues throughout the life cycle?

Recreation participation may decline with age, but park use does not. In fact from a study conducted by Ross C. Brownson, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, people between the ages of 65 and 74 use local parks more frequently than any other age group from those 15 and older. Austin has 29 parks including the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center for everyone to get out and enjoy some fresh air.

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, no driving or parking on the grass, no glass, no hitting of golf balls and the speed limit is 15 miles per hour. Violations of this ordinance can carry up to a $700 fine. Thank you very much for following our rules and please enjoy our parks.

Also remember the policy our policies on pets. The city 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 1st and 2nd Street SE along the north side of the river.

According to code, No. 10.02 Dog, Cat, and Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs:

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

 Swimming lessons

Swimming lessons will again be offered Monday through Friday’s beginning June 15. 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 however 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 website at www.ci.austin.mn.us, find City Departments, scroll on Park and Recreation; you will find the brochure by scrolling down to summer brochure 2015.

 Pavilion rental

Our most popular pavilions are filling up fast for summer rentals. If you are planning a family or friends get together remember to call our office soon to secure your park pavilion location. The Ruby Rupner Auditorium located at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is also a rentable venue. For information on availability please call the Center at 507-437-7519.