CITY OF
AUSTIN
PARKS, RECREATION, AND
FORESTRY DEPARTMENT
2015 Annual Report
Date: March 3, 2016
Authored by: The Parks, Recreation, Forestry & J.C. Hormel Nature Center Staff
PARKS, RECREATION, AND FORESTRY DEPARTMENT
121 NE 4 AVENUE AUSTIN, MN
MISSION
The Austin Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department create a community through people, parks
and programs. We strengthen community image and sense of place, support economic
development, strength, safety and security, promote health and wellness, foster human development,
increase cultural unity, protect environmental resources, facilitate community problem solving and
provide recreational experiences.
PARKS, RECREATION & FORESTRY ACCOMPLISHMENTS for 2015
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Completed C.I.P. projects:
o Park road projects - A portion of the parking lot at the North Todd Diamonds was
overlaid as well as the drive going into the complex and a small repair on the Lions
Park road and some spot repair on the trail in Todd and by East Side Lake.
o ADA walkway in South Todd, from restroom to pavilion and parking lots.
o Basketball pad (Murphy & Orchard Creek parks).
o A new play structure placed by the soccer fields in Todd and one in Galloway Park.
o Installed wood fiber instead of sand under the two new play structures which helps
us to meet the ADA requirement for playgrounds.
o 8 park sign and posts were replaced.
o Curling equipment – Hormel Foundation funded. – Offered some learn to curl
classes and had the “houses” painted in the ice at Packer Arena.
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Continue to assess our park system to add upgrades:
o Added an apron around the small shelter in south Todd Park.
o Moved disc golf baskets: Todd now has 18 and Driesner now has 12.
Continue to collaborate with organizations for the betterment of the Community.
Ninth year of “Community Pride” clean-up day (last Saturday in April).
Earned the 36th year of “Tree City USA” and submitted for the 37th year.
Assisted Spruce Up Austin to plant 10 more trees on the Tree Trek.
Planted 9 honorary trees on public land. (7 private and 2 for SUA members)
Assisted with planting 8 trees for three other projects. (AHS, Mill Pond, Farmers Market)
Our crew assists others to set up for different City festivals.
Power 96 Home & Vacation Show in Packer Arena.
Cedar River Rabbit Club hosted their event for the first time in Packer Arena and will be back in
’16.
There were 4 bouts in Packer Arena hosted by the MN Southbound Rollers.
Our tree crew removed 118 trees and stumps and pruned 184 trees.
We host Section and Sub-section tournaments each year at Todd Park and Riverland Baseball
Complex as well as several invitational tournaments.
Our Department takes pride in serving the Communities needs and wants.
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EQUIPMENT PURCHASED IN 2015
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Chev Equinox replaced the ’91 Lumina van
2015 Vermeer BC1800x chipper replaced the 2007 Vermeer BC1500 chipper
Grader laser blade for skid loader
PARKS, RECREATION & FORESTRY GOALS FOR 2016
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Continue to change recreation programming to adapt to changing needs and trends for youth
and adults.
Embrace new ideas and have an open mind on change.
Be a good steward to the environment – partner with AU and SMMPA on Monarch habitats.
Apply for the Community forest grant to plant in 132 areas and hire an arborist to assess our
ordinances and best practices. Cash match partner Spruce Up Austin for 12.5%.
Continue to assess our park system to add upgrades:
o Add aprons around shelters and pavilions for easier mowing maintenance
o Working with the Engineers Department to obtain a safe and adequate piece of
equipment to mow berms & ditch areas.
o Continue to upgrade park restrooms and playgrounds.
o Continue to replace sand in non-flood areas under play equipment with wood fiber.
Wood fiber is an approved surface for ADA.
Request to carry funding to purchase lockers for the pool
Complete our CIP projects for 2016
o Park road projects –(ongoing)
o ADA Walkways –
o Additional pavilions/shelters.
o Play equipment – replacement and additions.
o Izaak Walton cabin kitchen remodel.
o Park signs – year two; we have ordered 11 more.
CREW
Forestry Crew- The forestry crew covers the maintenance of all trees in boulevards and park in the city
of Austin. They remove and trim trees that block the view of street signs and for street
construction. We grind all of the tree stumps and clean up shrubs and trees from the city’s right-ofways. Letters are sent to private property owners’ to do the same. This crew also works with our
other maintenance crews within our park system with mowing, garbage routes, flooding rinks and
other work needed.
Mowing Crew- The mowing crew has a great responsibility with mowing 455 plus acres, 52,600 linear
feet, along with the flood areas, library, arenas, and senior center. Flood acre total approximately
1,125, some of these areas are not mowed on each rotation. This crew switches hats in the winter to
remove snow from 16 miles of city sidewalks, which include the library, Town Center, both arenas,
and Mill Pond path. Parking lots which require us to remove snow include the Park & Recreation
Office, nature center, shop, and outside rinks. Our crew is also called upon by the street department
to help them plow or haul snow.
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Mechanic- Our mechanic does everything from major overhauls on engines and transmissions, to tune
ups on weed eaters. He also helps mow and remove snow when needed. He keeps our crews up and
running smooth and on schedule. Our mechanic is located in the central garage building.
Park Maintenance/Equipment Operators & Construction- They has their hands full keeping the park
system healthy and usable for the public. Buildings are constructed and maintained by this crew:
truly jacks of all trades. During the summer months one man is pulled to spend his time maintaining
the municipal pool. During certain projects he will split his time. Equipment operators also assist
the tree crew when they are removing trees or grinding stumps.
Flower Crew- Temporary employees are hired for the flower season to water and care for the city’s
flowers. Duties include caring for the existing flowerpots, planters, downtown mall area, library
building, municipal building, and sterling medians. The total of flower baskets in 2015 was back to
our 240 mark following the North Main Street flood project in 2014.
Seasonal Crew- This would include all our extra summer help who run the smaller mowers,
landscaper/planter, weed eaters, ball diamond maintenance, summer recreation instructors and our
pool staff. We would not be able to maintain the City or hold programs without the help of our
seasonal staff. Our winter staff is just as important to helping us cover the Arena’s during our
skating events, outdoor warming houses and winter recreation programs.
NOTES
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Members from all City departments meet monthly as a safety committee to help solve dangerous
issues. They strive to put together policy to ward off work place injuries.
There were 189 weed orders processed, and 69 of those orders were billed to the property
owner. If the bill is not paid, it is assessed to the owner’s property taxes. There were 90 garden
plots purchased for the Community Gardens in 2015.
Our crews are involved with the preparation and clean-up for the 4th of July Festival Celebration.
This involves cleaning, moving the show-mobile and picnic tables. During the summer, when
the Concert in the Park band plays, a member from our crew hauls the equipment for each
event.
Our department maintains the library grounds, as well as inside repair requests.
The Park and Recreation Department also works with other government departments as requested:
Street Department- Remove tree stumps and trims trees for street projects. Drive trucks for snow
removal. The boom truck is used for hard to reach heights in the arenas during maintenance and in
other areas of the city.
Austin Utilities- Assist us when we trim trees around high voltage lines. Safety training for tree crew
when it comes to high voltage lines.
Mower County Highway- P&R has, on an emergency only basis, gone out to the country to help trim
back trees at bad intersections.
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Austin Public Schools- P&R has helped seed and level turf as well as trim and remove trees. We help
each other out to best utilize our playing fields and properties.
FACILITIES
Riverland Baseball Complex- (April-October) Home to the Riverland Blue Devils, Club League,
PHS/Lyle, Austin High School Varsity, Junior Varsity, A, B & C, American Legion, VFW, Austin
Youth Baseball, Austin All-Star BB and Hispanic League. In 2005, three fields were ready for play
along with having the concession and restroom building up and running. In 2006, the new stadium
on field number one was completed. The fourth field was renovated and usable. This complex has
two lit fields: the stadium field, number one, and the original college field, number two. RCC had
124 scheduled uses for league or practice, plus 4 tournament week-ends in 2015.
Todd Park Softball Complex- (April-October) There are eleven fields combined between the north and
south complexes. Field number ten, a baseball field, is on the east side of the north complex and
field number seven, a baseball field is located within the 5 Diamond complex. Users include Park
and Recreation adult and youth softball, kickball and t-ball leagues,
Austin High School, Pacelli/Lyle High, Austin Youth Baseball, ARC
Softball, Austin All-Star BB and Minnesota State High School
League for Subsection 1A West and Sections 1A, 1AA, 1AAA.
There were 14 scheduled invitational, sections, and state
tournaments. There were 611fields scheduled for practices and
games in 2015.
Todd Park Soccer Complex- (April- October) Three fields were added to our soccer complex which
brings us to a total of six. These fields were largely funded by a Hormel Foundation grant. Users
include Park and Recreation leagues, Austin Youth Soccer Club Teams, Austin High, and Hispanic
Men’s league. There were 99 scheduled uses for league games. This does not include unscheduled
use or team practices. The fields also hosted a Karen event August 29 & 30.
Municipal Pool- (June 9-August 22) in 1986, a 50-meter, eight-lane pool was opened. This pool has a
separate diving well, tot pool and play area, splash pad, 104-foot waterslide, 1-one meter and 1-three
meter diving boards, 16’ climbing wall, concession area, and bathhouse.
2014
2015
Tags/Admissions:
$39,350
$46,476
Swim lessons:
479
515
Pool attendance:
12,951
16,661
Doggie dip:
85
67
Izaak Walton Cabin (Annual) Acquired in the fall of 1996, this year-round facility will continue to be
used for rentals and in-house programs. The building was utilized on 63 dates, with 42 of them
being rentals in 2015.
Veterans Pavilion (April 15-October 15) This spectacular addition to the park system was ready for
public use June 1, 2002. This facility is open from April 15 to October 15, weather permitting. In
2015, there were 55 rental dates and 9 community functions.
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Park Pavilion Rentals (April 15-October 15) In 2010, the board approved the rental of park pavilions
that are fully accessible and have electricity.
Todd Park
2014 2015
North West Pavilion
39
36
Rentals
North East Pavilion
19
24
Rentals
South Pavilion (’14 no restrooms)
2
16
Rentals
Lions Park
West Pavilion
11
19
Rentals
East Pavilion
21
29
Rentals
Horace Park
Horace Pavilion
2
4
Rentals
Lafayette Park
Lafayette Pavilion
18
26
Rentals
East Side Lake
Gazebo
9
7
Rentals
Shirley Theel
Memorial Pavilion
13
12
Rentals
134
173
Total Rentals
Outdoor Rinks- The outdoor skating rinks in the community generally open from Christmas break,
through the end of February; weather permitting. Supervised warming houses with land and hockey
rinks are located at Kaufman and Galloway. The outdoor rinks were open from the 9th of January to
February 20th, 2015 with a total of 863 total participants.
Riverside Arena and Packer Arena- These facilities are city owned, managed by the Park and Recreation
Department and maintained by the Austin Street Department. We schedule both buildings for ice
time and supervisory staff, during Austin Youth Hockey, Austin High School, Riverside Figure
Skating Club, adult hockey and public skating. Tables, chairs, and riser rentals are available to rent
by the public for events off premises.
Ice Hours Used by the following groups:
2014
2015
Riverside
Packer
Riverside
Packer
Youth Hockey
173
317.75
184
308.25
AHS Boys & Girls
215
15.25
235
17.5
Riverside Skate Club
110.5
2.5
105.5
8
Public Skate Hours
38
44.75
38.5
45.75
Private Ice Rentals
85.5
9
56.25
13
Home School
1.5
11.5
Austin Bruins
236.5 practice 2
219.75
1
Austin Bruins
112
104
Riverside Arena- is the home of the Junior Hockey team, “The Austin Bruins”. The owner is Craig
Patrick and the team’s head coach/general manager is Chris Tok. Kyle Grabowski took over this
position in the fall of 2015. Their first season began in the fall of 2010. February 7th, 2015 marked
the fifth year of “Paint the Rink Pink” a fundraiser by the Austin Bruins of just over $26,150 given
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the Hormel Institute for breast cancer research. The season starting September 2015 through March
2016 they will have played 26 home games.
Dryland Events:
Riverside ArenaInstallation of the new cooling system in spring/summer 2015
Figure skate and Youth Hockey season registration – 5 days
Packer Arena4-H Rabbit Show – 2 days with set up and show
AHS ran a pole vault camp
Home and Vacation Show – 5 days with move in and out
Park & Recreation youth golf program- 2 days/wk, June-July
Park & Recreation youth archery - 2 days/wk, June -July
Police Department Auction-1 day
Rain location for Park & Recreation youth tennis
Roller Derby league April –September included 4 bouts
DEPARTMENT SUPPORT FOR AREA ASSOCIATIONS
Austin Youth Football- Transport equipment and take registration forms.
Hockey Association- Flood outside rinks for practice and public. Rent ice at Riverside and Packer
Arenas.
Baseball Association- Laying red rock in the infields, maintain fences and other duties. RCC has been a
large project that they have helped with.
Austin Youth Soccer- Continue to help with improvements to soccer fields.
Spruce Up Austin- Order materials, plant, and water trees for this much needed organization.
Austin Disc Golf Association- Work with them on the course in Todd Park and Driesner Park. They
have received many accolades on this course and are ranked in the top five in the state.
PARKS
Bustad
Bandshell Community
14 Ave SW
9 Place SW
Crane
Cullen
Decker
Driesner North (Elk's)
16 Ave NE
11 Ave SW
6 Ave NE
Oakland Pl SE
Ballfield, playground
Bandshell, sledding, play equipment, home to Veterans
Pavilion
Playground equipment
Playground equipment
Basketball, playground
Ball field, playground
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Driesner South
East Side Lake
Oakland Pl
Playground, shelter without electricity, 9-holes disc golf
Oakland Pl NE Boat landing, fishing dock, playground, pavilion, gazebo,
restrooms
Galloway
2 Ave SW
Hockey & land rinks, warming house, playground
Honor Guard
8 St. NE
Resting bench, passive
Horace Austin
N Main St
Walking trail, municipal pool, play equipment, skate park,
fishing pier and access to Mill Pond.
Kaufman
11 Ave SE
Ball field, hockey & land rinks, warming house, play
equipment
Lafayette
S Main St
Ball field, playground, restrooms, shelter with electricity
Lions Park
Oakland Pl NE Play equipment, restrooms, two shelters with electricity,
volleyball court
Murphy Creek
7 Street NW
Play equipment, gazebo
Nature Center
1304 21 St NE X-country skiing, restrooms, walking trail, interpretive
center, Ruby Rupner Auditorium, log cabin
Northwest
13 Ave NW
Ball field, play equipment, shelter without electricity
Orchard Creek
16 Ave SW
Play equipment and gazebo with electricity
Rotary Centennial Park 8 Ave SE
Horseshoe courts, basketball courts, play equipment, two
gazebos, and restrooms with solar energy
Sherman
6 Ave NW
Ball field, basketball, hockey & land rinks, play
equipment, restrooms, tennis
Shirley Theel
400 25 St SW
Soccer field, ball field, play equipment, restrooms,
walking trail
South Grove
4 Drive SW
Ball field, basketball, land rinks, play equipment, shelters
Sterling
5 Ave SW
Playground equipment
Sutton
Oakland Pl SE Playground, shelter without electricity
Todd
21 Ave NE
Ball fields, horseshoes, playgrounds, restrooms, shelters
with electricity, volleyball courts, disk golf course, soccer
fields
Whittier
3 Ave SE
Greenway
Wildwood
16 Ave NW
Play equipment, natural setting, trail will come through
area
Worlein
606 NW 1 Dr Benches, passive
RECREATION
City recreation is responsible for planning, promoting, and organizing a comprehensive recreation
program for all ages. The philosophy is to provide for the citizens of Austin the most complete
recreation programs possible for the greatest number of people at the lowest price. Children's
programs are offered as inexpensive as possible, while the adult programs are self-supporting.
WINTER/FALL PROGRAMS
PARTICIPANTS/TEAMS
2nd – 5th Grade Indoor Soccer
19
th
K –6 Grade Basketball
77
Intro to Archery ages 9-13
16
Archery League, ages 9-18 (Wed)
12
Archery League, ages 9-18 (Thurs)
12
3 on 3 Cross Ice Hockey (ages 10-15)
22
3 on 3 Cross Ice Hockey (ages 5-11)
64
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DATES
Jan. 11 – Feb. 4, 2015
Oct. 20 – Dec. 3, 2015
Dec. 28, 2015
Jan. 7 – Mar. 18, 2015
Jan. 8 – Mar. 19, 2015
Mar. 10 – Apr. 14, 2015
Mar 14. – Apr. 18, 2015
Learn to Skate
Learn to Skate
12
19
Jan. 14 – Feb 18, 2015
Sept. 22 – Oct. 6, 2015
SELF SUPPORTING PROGRAMS PARTICIPANTS/TEAMS
Art in the Summer
not enough participants
Bowling, ages 5 and up
not enough participants
Golf, ages 6 and up
28
Water, Nature Adventure (playground)
15
Shake, Rattle, and Read (playground)
15
Track, ages 5 – adult
24
T-ball, entering K, 5 year olds (Minor)
59/4
T-ball, gr k-1 (Major)
61/5
Youth Softball, ages 7-12
35
Soccer, ages 5-9
106
Tennis, ages 4-10
31
Girls Volleyball Club, U12 - U18
58
Girls Volleyball, gr 5-8
62
Austin Youth Wrestling, grade K-6
71
Southern Minny GFP League U12, 14, 16, 18 1020/85
Intro to Archery, ages 9-18
15
Archery League, ages 9-18
68
DATES
…………………..
June 10 – July 22, 2015
June 8 – July 22, 2015
June 11-30, 2015
July 9-28, 2015
June 8 – July 13, 2015
June 9 – July 23, 2015
June 9 – July 23, 2015
June 8 – July 22, 2015
June 9 – July 26, 2015
June 8 – July 23, 2015
Jan.-April, 2015
Nov. 1 – Dec. 13, 2015
Nov. 30 – Mar. 9, 2015
June 8 – July 28, 2015
June 9 – July 16, 2015
June 10 – July 22, 2015
SPECIAL EVENTS
PARTICIPANTS/TEAMS
Shamrock Open-NYWA Wrestling Qualifier 257
Noon Kiwanis Track Meets (only 1 meet)
115
Dylan Kaercher Theater Camp
24
DATES
Mar. 13, 2015
June 16, 2015
June 15-19, 2015
POOL
Swim lesson
Open Swim
Lap swim, noon
Doggie Dip
PARTICIPANTS/TEAMS
DATES
515 lessons (2 week sessions) June 13 – Aug. 7, 2015
16, 661 uses
June 8 – Aug. 20, 2015
258 uses
June 8 – Aug. 20, 2015
67 dogs
August 21, 2015
ADULT PROGRAMS
PARTICIPANTS/TEAMS
Curling
19 participants
Flag Football
158/10 teams
Softball Leagues
185 participants/26 teams
Kickball League
49 participants/9 teams
Volleyball Leagues, Winter
116 participants/17 teams
Volleyball Leagues, Fall
61 participants/ 9 teams
Square Bag Round Hole League, Summer
not enough participants
Sand Volleyball League, Summer
45 participants/6 teams
ASSOCIATION SUPPORT
Austin Youth Baseball
Austin Youth Soccer
Austin Youth Wrestling
Austin Girls Fast Pitch Horseshoe Club
Austin Softball Association
Austin Swim Club
Austin Area Volleyball Club
Austin Bike Club
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DATES
Mar. 9 - Apr. 20, 2015
Dec. 15 – Feb. 16, 2015
May 12 – Aug. 26, 2015
May 14 - Aug 13, 2015
Jan 7 – Mar 20, 2015
Sept. 23 – Dec. 16, 2015
May 18-August 17, 2015
JAY C. HORMEL NATURE CENTER
The J.C. Hormel Nature Center began in 1971. There are 507-acres nature preserve that is located in
western Mower County outside the city of Austin. The nature center features restored and remnant
prairie, hardwood forest, wetlands, and meandering streams. There are plentyy of animals and birds
for viewing wildlife as you hike the nine plus miles of trail.
JAY C. HORMEL NATURE CENTER ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2015
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Halloween Warm-up, Re-fest, Thanksgiving Feast, 1st Water Festival, 8k run, 10k ski race,
Alzheimer’s fundraiser continue to be highlighted special events.
Summer Adventure Program scholarships continue to be provided to Austin area youth by
Austin Audubon, Izaak Walton League, the Friends of the Nature Center, along with private
donations.
For the second time staff provided themed natural history programs during Mower County Fair
week.
For the seventh summer, “Thursday Nature Play” was held with free family activities. It
continued to provide a variety of activities for youth and families to be active in the outdoors.
Summer senior specials continue to be offered with nature related themes. Access vehicle tours
are part of those programs.
The staff continues to provide quality environmental education programs for grades k-12 in the
Austin School District and nearby communities.
The Hormel Foundation continues to subsidize Mower County students attending school field
trips at the JCHNC.
The first phase of the Nature Center expansion is near completion with Mike Goetz moving
into new maintenance shop in early January in 2016.
Bike trail was completed on the South side of the JCHNC to connect up with the trails in the
City of Austin and eventually the Shooting Star Trail.
Successfully secured funding from the Hormel Foundation for the new interpretive building
project.
Raised over a million dollars for new exhibits and displays.
Continued planning for new exhibits and displays.
All staff provided input to architects for new interpretive building.
“What’s New In Nature?” radio program continues.
Belita Schindler continues to subsidize the ski and snowshoe rental.
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GOALS FOR THE JAY C. HORMEL NATURE CENTER IN 2016
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Offer these significant events: Thanksgiving Feast, Water festival, Halloween Warm-up,
Alzheimer’s fundraiser, Dammen ski race, and the Overby 8K run.
Continue to offer and facilitate environmental education and outdoor education programs for
students, kindergarten through college.
Continue with Thursday Nature Play for Families, Senior Summer Specials, along with our
Summer Adventure Programs.
Continue with nature theme programs during the Mower County Fair.
Complete fundraising for the new interpretive building.
Contract with Split Rock Studios to do fabrication of new exhibits and displays.
Groundbreaking of new interpretive building April 22, 2016.
Hire contractor in early March to construct new interpretive building.
Contract with Silver Oaks to complete video on Jay Hormel and the Jay C. Hormel Nature
Center by July 1, 2016.
Complete hiring full time naturalist for the Nature Center.
Finish and begin to market book by June 1, 2016: The Essence of Place “The Story of the Jay
C. Hormel Nature Center by John Duren with essays by Douglas Wood.
Apply to the Hormel Foundation for funds to upgrade grooming equipment for cross-country
skiing.
Apply to the Hormel Foundation to continue with the one dollar rate per Mower County
students.
Remove the Heumann house and the Delmar Ellis house.
Burn prairie as needed.
Apply for a grant to remove buckthorn.
Plant trees by new shop to provide a windbreak on the north side of shop and the west and east
side of the Ruby Rupner Auditorium.
FACILITIES
Visitor Center - Features an exhibit display area with live animals, nature games, preschool play area,
and a nature history resource library.
Ruby Rupner Auditorium - This auditorium is used for school programs, community education
programs, conferences, and special events. It was built in 1994 and is available for private rentals
(there is no fee for environmental education related in-services and groups).
Rentals Used by the following groups: (includes ½ & full days)
2015
2014
Private:
65 days
72 days
Conservation Groups/City:
17 days
23 days
Total: 82 rentals
95 rentals
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RECREATION
Hiking and Cross-Country Ski/Snowshoe Trails - The Nature Center has over nine
miles of trails. There is also a ¼-mile handicapped accessible trail. Two
wheelchairs are available for the public to use during the visitor center hours.
The trails are groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter. A ski pass is not
required. Cross country ski or snowshoe rental is available. We provide free
skiing or snowshoeing on Thursday afternoons from 3:00-6:00 pm in January,
February, and March for adults and children.
Canoe and Kayak Rentals - Enjoy youth and family canoe trips with Nature Center staff. Canoe and
kayak rentals are available on Dobbins Creek to East Side Lake or on the Nature Center pond.
Canoes are also used to pick up garbage and tires on area rivers.
EDUCATION BIRDS OF PREY
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The Barred owl was utilized in 58 programs with 2285 total
participants in 2015. The owl has permanent injuries and is nonreleasable.
The Hormel Nature Center also provides triage/primary care
for raptors/birds of prey. Seventeen birds were cared for and
either were treated and released, died, or transported to the
University of Minnesota Raptor Center.
SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS, & SCHOOL GROUPS
School Programs - Environmental education programs are offered to all ages with an emphasis on
grades K-7. Environmental field trip curriculum include: stream/pond ecology, bird banding, maple
syruping, prairie ecology, seasons, senses, soil critters, raptors, habitat, nature’s adaptations and
more. The fee for the field trips has been reduced for Austin and Mower County schools thanks to
the Hormel Foundation grant.
Youth & Family Summer Adventure Program - Get out and discover nature by canoeing, kayaking,
hiking, birding, geocaching, nature photography and more with the staff. The classes are fee based
on expense. Scholarships for reduced fees or free classes are available due to funding by private
donors, organizations, and the Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.
Summer Nature Play Afternoons - Discover nature with your
child with free canoe and kayak rentals, scooping the pond
for aquatic critters, netting butterflies and dragonflies,
archery, self-guided trail activities and nature programs.
This free program began in 2009 on specified afternoons
in June, July and August from 1:00-4:00 p.m.) (Usually a
Thursday afternoon with some exceptions)
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Summer Senior Specials - This will be our seventh year to offer seniors 55 and over ten free nature
programs, a short tour of the trails on our two access vehicles, coffee and a cookie.
Trail Access Tours - Enjoy the nature center trails with a free tour on one of the two access vehicles
with a volunteer driver during the spring, summer and fall. This is the fifth season to offer these
trail rides. The tours are for seniors and families. The date and time need to be scheduled ahead. A
minimum four day notice for the requested tour is required for scheduling a driver.
Halloween Warm-Up - Come experience the enchanted forest with bats, trolls, owls, and witches.
Every ten minutes, a group of 25 are led into the “boo’tiful” forest to meet the assorted spirits that
reside there. Established in 1983 this annual event is co-sponsored with Matchbox Children's
Theater and is intended for children ages 4-11. Tickets are sold off site in September at Super Fresh
Produce and Bakery.
Crafts of Christmas Past - Enjoy the holiday spirit. Join the Nature Center staff as you make your very
own Christmas wreaths and hand dipped beeswax candles. Two classes are offered with fee based
on material expense.
Ruby Rupner Nature & Community Programs - Features such performers as folksingers, storytellers,
musicians, naturalists, staff and other guest speakers. Free programs are provided by an endowment
fund from the Friends of the Nature Center along with other donated dollars.
2016 3nd Water Festival: “Clean Water ~ We all live downstream”
This is a free, family - friendly special event celebrating the
importance of clean water. It is intended to be fun playing in
water and learning about water. The festival will include canoeing,
pond scooping, crayfish hunting kayaking, water quality testing,
and water survival game. In addition, there will be one
community service day of offsite water sampling, river clean up,
sewage treatment tours, as well as identifying and labeling storm
drains. This is usually a three day event with special guest
presenters and music.
.
Sola-Fide Observatory- Come see the moon, planets, and stars
through a 10" refractor telescope. Free programs are held on
specified Saturday evenings during the year. The City of
Austin has owned and operated this facility since 1991.
Thanksgiving Feast - Established in 2002, the Friends of the Nature Center host an annual banquet,
entertainment and auction as a fundraiser. The Friends raise dollars primarily to pay for the intern
and other seasonal staff.
Page 12
Hormel Nature Center School Groups, Programs, and Special Events
2015
2014
Programs Participants Programs Participants
Austin Public Schools
101
3150
101
3150
Mower County Schools (Includes
28
631
28
550
Austin Catholic, Lyle, Grand Meadow,
Southland, Gerard Academy,
homeschool, Preschool field trips)
Outside Mower County (Includes
12
517
18
780
Dodge, Faribault, Waseca and
Freeborn, Northwood Kensett)
Community Programs
21
446
27
1302
Friends of the JCHNC Bus Tour
1
35
Sola Fide Observatory
17
400
20
450
KAUS Educational Radio
52
52
Youth & Family Fall Adventure
2
18
53
546
Classes
Thursday Nature Play and
Free Ski and Canoe Rentals
9
1970
29
1018
Summer Senior Specials
Trail Access Tours
Summer Youth Adventure Classes
Halloween Warm-Up
Crafts of Christmas Past
Ruby Rupner Programs
Mower County Fair
Thanksgiving Feast
Summer Youth Scholarships
Walk-Through Mini Programs
(Preschool, ECFE, Daycares)
Total:
9
9
53
2
2
33
4
1
7
17
13
2
2
21
5
1
6
278
27
698
810
34
2160
850
257
61
166
9
229
140
349
840
35
1250
1607
250
64
112
362
12,508
433
13,685
SUPPORT
Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center - non-profit organization that
supports the Nature Center through fundraising, programming, equipment,
volunteering, and planting of wildflowers and trees. Memberships are
available at the Nature Center.
Funding Sources - City of Austin, Friends of the Hormel Nature Center,
Hormel Foundation and state grants.
Page 13
PARKS, RECREATION, AND FORESTRY DEPARTMENT
STAFF
Kim Underwood
Randy Hofner
Larry Dolphin
Jake Solberg
Tricia Branden
Julie Champlin
Patti Hamilton
PARK BOARD
Director
Park Supervisor
Director/Naturalist
Recreation Supervisor
Park and Recreation Clerk
Nature Center Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Ward Halvorson
Gretchen Ramlo
Bob Wilson
Deedee Marx
Helen Jahr
Jeff Austin
Don Fox
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Member
Member
Member
City Council
School Board
PARK CREW
Michael Goetz
Lynn Thompson
Dayton Kerhet
Greg Bell
Terry Corkill
Tim Rodgers
Spencer Wolner
Neal Goergen
Andrew Jensen
Park maintenance/Equipment operator
Park maintenance/Equipment operator
Park maintenance/Equipment operator
Pool maintenance/Park maintenance
Park maintenance/Equipment operator
Tree trimmer/ Chipper operator
Construction maintenance
Mechanic
Tree trimmer/Chipper operator
Park playgrounds contribute to good health.
Children with a playground within a half mile of
home are five times more likely to be a healthy
weight than those without.
We are fortunate to have 28 parks in our
Community, encourage kids to enjoy them!
Page 14