FAIRMONT — It’s that time of year again when some of the city of Fairmont’s recreational amenities go into hibernation.

The process of closing up Fairmont’s parks began last week and will continue through this week, Nick Lardy, park and street supervisor, told the Fairmont Park Board. Water has been shut off at the parks, and restroom facilities have been closed.

Lardy said some of the lesser-used docks have been pulled off the lakes in preparation for winter. The dock at Amber Lake Park and the Budd Lake landing will be the final two removed.

In other business, Roni Dauer, CER director, updated the board on Community Education and Recreation activities and classes. Although COVID has forced the cancellation of many classes, others are still available through virtual learning.

Dauer mentioned one particular class, making homemade cinnamon and caramel rolls, that will be conducted via the Internet Nov. 14. Those who register will be given a list of ingredients prior to the class, and the instructor will talk students through the process via Zoom.

Because of the constant adaptations made in the CER class schedule, no fall/winter catalog was mailed this year. A list of offerings, which is frequently updated, is available on the school’s website at www.fairmont.k12.mn.us

Dauer invited the board and the public to CER’s annual open house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12. Those interested are asked to enter through door 15A on the south side of Fairmont Elementary School. They also are asked to wear a mask and observe social distancing.

In another matter, board member Craig Nelson asked about the possibility of painting a utility box at the new Richard S. Bradley Park at Woodland, Shoreacres and Summit. He said he has seen similar boxes in Mankato that have received a decorative touch from local artists. Although board members were amenable to the idea, the safety factor of such a project will be examined first.

The board does not meet during the winter months so its next meeting will be in March 2021.