By Kevin D. Nelson

Austin Parks and Recreation

How about getting on the water? The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center rents canoes and kayaks for use from Dobbins Creek to East Side Lake or on the nature center’s pond.

When can I rent?: The 2019 rental season runs from June 1 through Sept. 29. Rentals are available 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. This year we will also start renting on Sundays from 1-3:30 p.m. All equipment must be returned by 4:45 p.m. or a late fee will be charged.

Where do I go to rent a canoe or kayak?: Stop in the Interpretive Center to pay for your rental or use your punch card, and staff will assist you in getting the boats and gear.

How much does it cost?: Individual canoe or kayak rentals are $10 or purchase a canoe/kayak punch card for $25. This card is good for five boat rentals at half the price  (check or cash only).

New this year, passes do not expire and punches may be used for cross country skiing or snow shoe rentals in the winter. We will also accept punch cards from the Albert Lea Rock Gym and vice versa.  The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is not responsible for lost or stolen cards.

​Where can I paddle?: Visitors can paddle on the pond or down Dobbins Creek to East Side Lake. Staff suggests that new paddlers start out on the pond—there is plenty of wildlife to see, and it’s a great place to learn. Guests paddling on the creek must plan enough time to make the return trip; there is no pick-up service provided by the Nature Center. The round trip takes approximately an hour, but trip time depends on your pace, your route along the creek, and what you stop to see!

How long is each rental?: Each rental covers the cost for three hours with the equipment.

Where do I return the equipment?: Visitors are asked to return all boats, life jackets, and canoe paddles to the maintenance building, in front of the large white garage doors (southwest side of the parking lot). Please stop by the Interpretive Center to let staff know that your equipment has been returned.Rentals are first-come, first-served. No reservations.

Patrons are responsible for transport of the boats to and from the pond or Dobbins Creek. Canoe/kayak rollers are available.

Patrons who are 18 and older may rent canoes and kayaks (children must be accompanied by an adult). A signed liability waiver must be on file at the nature center (children 17 and under must have waiver signed by an adult). You can download the children’s waiver at: www.hormelnaturecenter.org/uploads/sites/15/2/5/1/6/25166228/jchnc_canoekayak_youth_waiver.pdf. Single kayaks can be used by children who are in first grade and older. We have six single kayaks, two tandem kayaks, and six canoes. (Life jackets and paddles are provided.) Rental canoes and kayaks may not be taken to any other locations, although visitors may bring their own to enjoy our waterways.

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Municipal pool

A few more lifeguards have been hired over the past week to assist with staff shortages, so we are still hopeful to cover all remaining shifts at the pools this summer.

We are still seeking some additional coverage, and another lifeguard training session is approaching at the YMCA in mid-July. We accept both American Red Cross and YMCA lifeguard certifications.

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Rolling Rec

Watch for Rolling Rec, beginning soon on Fridays in a neighborhood park near you. Updates will be posted on Facebook.

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Did you know?

Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

Like us on Facebook “Austin Park & Recreation Department, Austin MN” Park & Recreation is located at 500 4th Avenue NE; 507-433-1881, www.ci.austin.mn.us. “Buy Mower; Grow Mower” and please recycle!