By Kevin D. Nelson

Austin Parks and Recreation

You have a chance to check out roller derby today, in Packer Arena when the Minnesota Southbound Rollers host the Midwest Maidens of Brookings, South Dakota. A junior match will feature a team from Osage, Iowa. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at mnsbr.bpt.me. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department – K-9 Unit. The events run 1:30-9 p.m.

Swimming pool

Do you have your pool membership yet? You can get that online at www.ci.austin.mn.us. The fee is $40 per person.

The first session of swim lessons begins on June 17 and you can register now online.

Aqua Zumba and deep-water fitness classes are also available beginning June 10. Check out the classes in the summer brochure. You do not need a pool membership to join a fitness class. Your pool membership will allow for you to swim during adult lap swim from noon to 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Summer Program

The Summer Program Brochure is out, so you can start planning your summer activities.

Online registration is open for you to register for Park and Rec programs and Jay C. Hormel Nature Center programs. The link is on the city’s web page at www.ci.austin.mn.us. Click on City Departments, click on On-line Registration, or go to cityofapr.maxgalaxy.net. From there, click on the registration tab, and then click on youth, and the programs will be listed.

If you have not created your account when you click on the register tab, it will ask you to log in or create an account. If you have any questions, please call.

Todd Park soccer fields numbering

There will be signage placed at the soccer fields at some point this season. Until that time, please note the numbering sequence in the map above for when youth games are scheduled at these fields. Please note: We respectfully ask that team practices and similar events not be held on Todd Park Soccer Fields.

Fall archer hunt

The city has submitted an application to the DNR to hold a city of austin fall archery deer hunt again this fall.

Our application will not be available until we have been accepted. However, you are encouraged to sharpen your skills in preparation for the season, as you will be required to take the proficiency test in order to qualify for the hunt drawing. Test opportunities are available at Cedar River Archery Club located at 54691 270th St. Austin MN 55912. The fee will be $5 per shooter and will take place from an elevated platform at a distance of 20 yards. You will have only one chance to qualify on either Aug.  24 or 25. The club will be testing on these dates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Not a member? You can also pay a non-member fee and participate in their shooting event on those dates, or better yet, join the club. For those of you who did not apply last year and would like more information, please call our office at 1-507-433-1881.

Did you know?

According to the American Journal of Cardiology, in January 2012, research found that among older men and women, swimming a few times a week lowered blood pressure an average of nine points (systolic).

What better reason can you think of to begin swimming at the municipal pool this summer? Then, after the summer season, you can continue on with your new healthy lifestyle at a facility with an indoor pool.

Riverside Arena

Public Skates:

• 5:15-6:45 p.m., today
• 7-9 p.m., May 17

Stick Time:

• 3:30-5 p.m., today
• 5:30-6:45 p.m., May 14.

Always watch Facebook for additions to stick time or public skates.