We are working on building ice for the outside ice rinks. Warming houses at Kaufman and Galloway will not open until next weekend. Check out the safety tips on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources site regarding ice on lakes and ponds before you venture out on them.

Volleyball

We are looking for volleyball players for 12U, 14U and 16U girls teams for the Austin Volleyball Club. Cost is $50 and practice will be held on Monday and Thursdays beginning Jan. 9. This is a non-traveling club and will be able to play in the state tournament in Austin on March 18 and 19, 2017.  Register in our office by Dec. 30.

Dome
fastpitch

It is time to get your team signed for the Dome Fastpitch League. This league will focus on the 14 and 15-year old’s playing one game per week on Sunday afternoons in the dome at Wescott Athletic Complex beginning Jan. 8 and running through Feb 27.

Registration is being accepted at the Parks, Recreation and Forestry office. Team fee is $600 and high school rules apply. We will max the league with six teams and each team must have one coach who is 18 years or older. For more information please contact Jake Solberg, Recreation Supervisor at jakes@ci.austin.mn.us or call 507-396-5027 or cell 507-438-0409.

We are taking registration for our Baseball Pitching Machine League in the dome for those ages 7 to 12 years old. The 7 to 9 year olds will play on Monday’s from Jan. 9, 2017, to Feb. 20, 2017. Kids ages 10 to 12 will play on Tuesdays from Jan. 10, 2017, to  Feb. 14, 2017. Both leagues start at 6 p.m. and will have a four-team minimum. Registration deadline is Dec. 30 and cost is $60 per participant. Register in the Park and Recreation office.

Austin High School will offer open dome times for moms and little ones from 9 to 11 a.m. on the following dates: Dec. 20, Jan. 10 and 24; Feb. 7 and 21; March 7 and 21; April 4 and 18. The cost is $2 per child or $5 per family. A great opportunity to get out and run off some cabin fever during the winter or wet months.

Archery

We will offer the Intro to Archery on Dec. 27. Cost is $10 for those 9 to 18 years old.  This gives you an opportunity to give archery a try. Class will be held at the 4-H building in the Fairgrounds — register in our office.

Youth archery league for ages 9 to 18 will be on Wednesday or Thursday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 4 or 5 and run for 11 weeks.The cost is $50. This league fills up fast so register early.

Nature center

Are you in need of a gift idea? Give a friend a membership to the Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. For more information visit www.hormelnaturecenter.org.

Packer Arena schedule

Public skate: 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 28.

Cost is $4 to skate plus $1 if you need to rent skates. Purchase a family membership for $70 (two people) and add other family members for $5 each. Expires on March 3.

Watch for the calendar or notifications on Facebook.  Make sure to like us so you receive up to date information.

Stick Time: 4:45 to 6 p.m. today and 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. on Dec. 26. Stick time is $6 per person. People can also purchase a five-session punch card for $25 and save $1 on each session.

Riverside Arena schedule

Adult Open Hockey: 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Cost is $6 per person each event. Attendees must be 16; goalies are free.

Austin High Hockey home games: The boys host Faribault on Tuesday with junior varsity at 5:30 p.m. and varsity at 7:15 p.m. The boys then host Rochester Century on Thursday  with junior varsity at 5:30 p.m. and varsity at 7:15 p.m. The AHS girls varsity tournament will start on at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 26 and continue at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 27, noon on Dec. 28 and 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 29. The shootout will start at 7 p.m. on Dec. 28. 

Austin Bruins: The Bruin’s next home game is the New Year’s Eve game at 7:05 p.m. against the Minnesota Wilderness. The game is a great way to spend some family time. Come on down and cheer on the Bruins!

We at Park & Recreation wish you all a Merry Christmas!