By Kevin D. Nelson

Austin Parks and Recreation

It was an excellent day at the pool on Thursday, July 4 with approximately 75 pool-goers present. We were happy to be able to offer swimming and slide use in the main pool plus use of the splash pad.

Mark your calendar for the free Family Fun Night at the pool on Friday, Aug. 2. Note: This is a date change from the brochure which had listed one week earlier. Dee Randall will be back to deejay the music, and we are also thankful that our Summer Recreation Assistant Alex and staff will be leading the games. Thank you to sponsors VFW, Austin Eagles Club, and APAC! It is with their awesome help that this annual event continues to be a hit.

Also, regarding the pool, there will be a swim meet on July 19-21 which will close down all pool areas with the exception of the splash pad, throughout the three-day weekend. Reminders will follow in the weeks ahead.

Kiwanis Track Meet

The first Austin Noon Kiwanis Track Meet of the season, which had been scheduled for June 27, was cancelled due to stormy weather. There is a second track meet slated for Thursday, July 25 at Wescott Stadium Track. Watch for details.

Rolling Rec

Rolling Rec started on June 28 with approximately 30 participants in Wildwood Park. The traveling activity will continue on Fridays throughout the remainder of the summer rec season, weather permitting. Thanks to APAC for working with us to offer these exciting events! Where will Rolling Rec be next Friday? Watch Facebook for updates and see!

Riverside Arena

The ice is in all summer at Riverside Arena! Beat the heat, and get in some ice time on a pair of skates.

Public skate times are as follows: Sunday, July 8: 1:45-3:15 p.m.; Tuesday, July 9: noon-2 p.m.; Wednesday, July 10: 5-7 p.m.; Thursday July 11: noon-2 p.m.

Stick-time is offered on Monday, July 8, noon-2 p.m.; Tuesday, July 9: noon-2 p.m. and 5:30-7 p.m.; Wednesday, July 10, noon-2 p.m.; Thursday, July 11: 6-7:30 p.m.; and Friday, July 12: noon-2 PM.

Bruins hockey camps will begin on Friday, 7/12.

Cedar River Archery

Is archery your thing? Cedar River Archery Club will host its July 3-D target shoot on July 13 and 14 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The non-member entry fee is $15; members are $10. There is a 30-target minimum. All experience levels are welcome. Also, save Aug. 3 for Youth Day and bring the kids out to the archery range for some fun activities from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. The rain date is Aug. 4. For more information call 507-438-7619.

Rentals

The Parks and Rec department has numerous park shelters and gazebos for rent within the city parks. Please note that guaranteeing your use of a shelter does require renting the shelter. The fee is really quite reasonable.

Also, please note that the electrical circuits within the shelters are not made to handle multiple heating devices (crock pots, etc.) at the same time. Thus, doing so may result in tripping the breakers, which could mean delays in your event. So, please plan ahead accordingly.

Did You Know

More active children have a lower risk of obesity and diabetes, have higher academic performance, and are more on-task and less disruptive in school.

Like us on Facebook “Austin Park & Recreation Department, Austin MN”. Visit us in person at Park & Recreation @ 500 Fourth Ave. NE; contact us at 507-433-1881; visit us online at www.ci.austin.mn.us.