Our crew has been busy putting water down at the outside ice rinks as the weather seems to be cooperating this past week.

If the forecast stays as cold as they are predicting we hope to have enough ice built up to open on Saturday, Jan. 10 or sooner. Watch for any posts on Facebook as we will put one out there when they are ready.

We are currently taking registration for our second- through fifth-grade indoor soccer to be held at Banfield Elementary on Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning Tuesday and going through Feb. 12. Cost is $17. Please sign up by Tuesday at the Park and Recreation office, 121 4th Avenue NE.

The Learn to Skate program, for all ages begins on Wednesday at Packer Arena. Austin Park and Recreation will be partnering with Austin Youth Hockey and the Austin Bruins. Registration fee is $30 for six sessions.

Dates are from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays on Jan. 7 and 14 and Feb. 4, 11 and 18 and 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24.

There will also be a public skate following each session for you to stay and practice your new skills if you wish. Or invite others to come and skate with you. For more information, you may call our office at 433-1881.

Check the city website at www.ci.austin.mn.us for a registration form. Check the Austin Youth Hockey website or follow us on Facebook as the form is there as well.

Pubic skates at Packer Arena are: 1:30 to 3 p.m. this Sunday, Wednesday; 3 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 10; 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. on Jan. 11; 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. The cost to skate is $4, if you need skates rentals are $1.

Adult open hockey is from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday evenings Jan. 7 and 14. Watch Facebook and check the city website at www.ci.austin.mn.us for the calendar.

Liking us on Facebook “Austin Park & Recreation Department, Austin MN” gives you updates. The City of Austin web page is at www.ci.austin.mn.us for more Department info.