Park rules are put in place within our park system to protect the users as well as the facilities.

Signs are posted at entrances regarding those rules.  The city code book, chapter 10, also lists the rules regarding the use of public parks and the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center all of which are governed by the Austin Park Board.   One of the hardest rules to enforce or stay on top of is the no dog or pet animal rule.

This is not to pick on the dog lovers as I am one of those, however the rule states that dogs are not allowed in any city park but can be leashed on the park paths and roadways and only off leash at the dog park.

Our nature center rule also states: “It is unlawful to bring or allow horses or other pet animals into the nature center.”   City code is punishable by penalty 1.99; this general penalty is used for those that violate the city code and could be charged with a misdemeanor or petty misdemeanor.

Misdemeanor fines of up to $1,000 and up to a 90-day sentence or both and petty misdemeanor fines of not more than $300 could be imposed if found guilty.

Leagues

Come out on Wednesday evenings for open pickleball gym at Ellis Middle School in the auxiliary gym from 6:30-8 p.m. on Oct. 11, 25, Nov. 1, 8 and 15.  The cost is $2 per person at the door.

We are taking registration for our kindergarten to sixth-grade basketball will begin Oct. 24 at Banfield Elementary School. Register at the Parks and Recreation Office.

This is a non-traveling league played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings with those in second-sixth grade practicing skills on Tuesday and playing games on Thursday. The kindergarten and first grade participants will practice skills with games being introduced later in the program.

Halloween Warm-up

Halloween Warm-up tickets are now on sale at Super Fresh Produce. Ticket prices are $8 per person. To get a time slot that works for you get your tickets early.

Groups of 25 leave every 10 minutes and is a great family event.

Check out the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center website at www.hormelnaturecenter.org for the rest of the events happening

Nature center

Get out and enjoy the fall weather at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center with some Nature Yoga lead by Kay Middlebrook at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30.

Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, and bring a yoga mat (if you have one), and an open, curious mind and heart. This is for ages 12 and up, a great way to involve family members.

On Tuesday, Oct. 17 join Julie Westerlund at 7 p.m. at the nature center and learn about the Water Legacy Program.

Julie manages the One Watershed, One Plan program for BWSR. Through this program, partnerships of local governments develop Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans at the major watershed scale. Her work involves developing program policy, guidance, and supporting information in partnership with BWSR staff. This presentation will help us understand the work the Cedar River Watershed District is doing here in Austin.

Sola Fide Observatory

The next viewing of the stars at the Sola Fide Observatory is at 8 p.m. on Oct 14  and 28.

Fall yard and garden clean

In preparation for the fall yard and garden clean up the city has again opened the Cook Farm as a designated site to take your leaves, grass and plants from gardens and flowers.

The site opened on Sept. 16 and will remain open until Nov. 26, seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Please remove all waste from any bags that it is transported in. Please dispose of the bags in the receptacle or take them with you. Compost from previous years yard waste will be available to the public.

Riverside Arena

Rent the arena for a skating party, call our office for details at 507-433-1881. Make sure to like us on Facebook so you receive up to date information.

Riverside Figure Skate Club: Sunday’s from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be no class on Oct. 22.

Adult Open Hockey: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays until Oct. 25 when the time will change from 6:45-8:15 p.m.

Public skate: 6:45-9 p.m., Friday; 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 28. Packer Arena opens on Nov. 4. More information to come.

Stick time: 5-6:30 p.m. Monday and Oct. 16; 5-6:30 p.m. Friday.

Austin Bruins: Austin Youth Hockey Night on Oct. 14, hosting Brookings. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m.