By Kevin D. Nelson

Austin Parks and Recreation

Summer is officially in full swing and the pool is now open for the season.

There’s still time to get your pool membership online at www.ci.austin.mn.us; click on City Departments and pick Park and Recreation; then, click on-line. The fee per person is $40. Daily fees are $4 per person for the afternoon session and $2 for the evening sessions. A pool membership for those 18 and older will allow for swimming during adult lap swim from noon to 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

For the first time in recent history, the City of Austin finds itself in what is an all-to-familiar bind for many municipalities which operate outdoor pools: a shortage of lifeguards.

Please note that staff have been actively recruiting lifeguards for the season and have worked on adjusting lifeguard wages as the budget will allow. However, the lifeguard shortage may still result in times where some pool services are either limited or are simply not available due to the lack of lifeguards for a particular shift. The safety of patrons is of the utmost importance, so skimping on lifeguards is not an option.

Thus, please bear with us as we strive to fulfill our schedule commitment for pool activities for this season. Please note: One or more additional lifeguards are needed for some various shifts at Austin Municipal Pool. So, if you know of someone who is a certified lifeguard, please have them contact the Park and Rec office or the on-duty manager at the pool.

Also, registration for the water fitness classes can be done online at www.ci.austin.mn.us. A pool pass is not needed to sign up for a class, but payment in full for the fitness class session is required. If you do not have a computer or would like help signing up you may come to our office, and assistance will be provided.

Mark your calendar for the free family fun night at the pool on Friday, July 26. DeeAnn Randall will be back to DJ, and games will be offered again this year, so come and join in the fun!

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Summer ball

Reminder: Monday, June 17, there will no practice or games for youth baseball, peewee ball, or major league T-ball.

You are encouraged to enroll your son or daughter in the Chevy Youth Baseball Clinic. The clinic will run 6-9 p.m. on Monday at Riverland Community College. Register your son or daughter as soon as possible. Remember to use the registration password “playball” for free entry!

Follow the instructions below to sign up:

1. Go to the website: ww.chevrolet.com/youth-sports?evar25=YouthSports_20171005

2. Click on the gold “Clinic Registration” box

3. Select the following name from the drop-down menu: Rochester LMA Baseball Clinics and then click ‘go’

4. Enter the password “playball” and submit

5. Complete the Registration form and download the waiver. Participants are required to bring the signed waiver form to the registration table on the day of the clinic.

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Pets

Thank you, for keeping your pets on leash while in the parks of Austin, the ones where they are allowed. Thank you, as well, for cleaning up after your dog(s) when they defecate on public property or on someone else’s yard. Your responsible and cooperative behavior is very much appreciated.

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Did you know?

There was a 23 percent reduced risk of upper respiratory tract infections for people who were regularly active compared to those who were not (source: Nieman, 2001). Get out and enjoy your Austin Parks and Recreation opportunities!