Park board focuses on nature center

Published 12:00 am Thursday, April 12, 2001

The Austin Park, Recreation and Forestry Board met last week to discuss some items.

Thursday, April 12, 2001

The Austin Park, Recreation and Forestry Board met last week to discuss some items.

Email newsletter signup

In an effort to prevent water from seeping out of the man-made pond near the J.C. Hormel Nature Center, and in an effort to decrease the costs of continually pumping water into the pond, the board talked about installing a clay liner in the pond. Director Denny Maschka said that is all the board is doing right now about this issue – talking. No plans have been made to purchase or install the liner.

During the meeting, nature center director Larry Dolphin received approval from the board to apply for a $4,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources trail assistance program. The center applies for the grant every year to maintain the trails used for cross-country skiing and hiking.

In other park and recreation news, the pavilion at the former St. Paul’s Church will be dedicated July 4 with the name of Veterans Pavilion, to honor Austin veterans. Councilwoman Gloria Nordin reports park, recreation and forestry will be able to install restrooms in the northwest corner of the park.

A request from the Austin Area Skaters Association for funds to improve the existing skateboard park was referred to the Austin City Council’s finance committee. The group estimates an additional $4,000 is needed to complete improvements and purchase bleachers for the park.

Call Kevira Mertha at 434-2233 or e-mail her at newsroom@austindailyherald.com.