We would like to thank you for using our park and trail system this year.

You will notice that restroom buildings will be closed and winterized until next spring!  Please be mindful if you use the trail system following a snow event or freezing rain that we do not do winter maintenance on the majority of the trails.  Exceptions include the Lion’s Park trail from Oakland Ave North to Packer Arena connecting to the Mill Pond trail. This is normally plowed after a snow event.

Camps and leagues

Check out the next curling open house from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 26 at Packer Arena.

Layer up and wear loose fitting pants so you can stretch easily, bring gloves, carry a clean pair of rubber soled shoes and $10.

If you should decide to join the January-February league your $10 fee will be applied toward your $90 per player league fee. League will begin Jan. 2 through Feb. 20 on Wednesday evenings.

Why should you try it?  It can be done by both sexes, the rules are easy to learn, it is good for your health and it is fun.

For the young baseball enthusiasts, Dome Baseball will begin on Monday, Jan. 7, for those 7 to 9 years old and Tuesday, Jan. 8, for those 10 to 12 years old.

This pitching machine league is designed for skill development and live game experience.  Deadline to register online is Dec. 31. Go to http://cityofapr.maxgalaxy.net or follow the link on the City of Austin’s website at www.ci.austin.mn.us, City Dept, Park & Rec — online registration.

Those youth 9 to 18 years of age interested in archery league — sign up online by Dec. 29.  League will be offered again on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-7:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 2-3, in the 4-H building at the fairgrounds.

Cost is $60 for 11 weeks. Our Thursday class is currently full.

Nature center Looking to catch some fresh air? 

You can rent cross country skis and snowshoes at the Nature Center. Daily fees per-person for three hours are: $6 for skis and $5 for snowshoes for adults, kids 18 and under are $1 thanks to a donation from Belita Schindler in memory of Dr. Richard Schindler.

Always check www.hormelnaturecenter.org for ski conditions.  The hours for our rentals during good trail conditions are: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Thursday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Nature Center will again be offering free cross-country ski and snowshoe rental for adults and children from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday afternoons and will continue into March if snow conditions allow.

The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center does not require the Minnesota Ski Pass on our trails.

Packer Arena

Packer Arena public skate dates: 1-3 p.m. Saturday;   3:45-5:45 p.m. Sunday; 1:15-2:30 p.m. Monday; 2-4 p.m. Wednesday; 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday; 3-5 p.m. Friday; 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29; 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31; 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1.

These are also posted on our Facebook page.  Having a birthday party or getting your friends and family together? Rent the arena. Call our office for times at 507-433-1881.

Stick time dates: Noon-1:45 p.m. on Dec. 26, 31 and Jan. 1.

Riverside Arena

The Austin Bruins are away until Saturday, Dec. 29. Plan ahead, get your people together and take in a game.

They host the MN Wilderness. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m.

The Austin Girls annual  tournament is held on Dec. 26-29. First games start at 4 p.m. on Dec. 26 with Austin hosting Mayo Spartans.

The Austin’s games is 4 p.m. on Dec. 27 vs Worthington and 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 29 vs. Faribualt.

The shootout will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 28.

Austin’s JV will play at 2 p.m. on Dec. 27 and 11 a.m. on Dec. 28 vs. Worthington. Support our teams and check out a game.

Merry Christmas from us at Austin Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department.