May 17, 2019
Spring is here, and both the Colvill Park and Bay Point Park boat ramps are open for the season. Enjoy!
Photo of the Colvill Park boat ramp on a sunny day
Take a Swing at this Survey
We're looking for your input on the care, management, and future of Mississippi National Golf Links, the 36-hole public golf course owned by the City of Red Wing. Take the survey to give your opinions, and w e'll report results in a future City Beat.


Dig Into Red Wing's History
Amazing finds from centuries ago lie just under our feet. Find out more by joining us at the Sheldon Theatre when two acclaimed archaeologists share discoveries found around the Red Wing Bridge Project site, and discuss Native American archaeology in the Red Wing area--all through a modern-day perspective. Dr. Michelle Terrell and Dr. Ronald Schirmer will be our guests. FREE and open to all.
Wednesday, May 29
Sheldon Theatre - 6:00 p.m. Free
Both presentations immediately follow the Heritage Preservation Commission's annual presentation of the Award of Merit. This year, the City of Red Wing is honored to accept the award for its interior and exterior renovations of the historic T. B. Sheldon Memorial Auditorium.
Your 2040 Community Plan in
Less Than 2 Minutes
Don't have time to read through the 2040 Plan? No problem! We're kicking off our new animated video series called 2040 in 2 , which covers each chapter of the plan in less than two minutes. The first episode, "How and Why the Plan Came Together" is short and sweet. Take a look and share with others!

Meet Your Newest Park Naturalist
The Park Naturalists are back in session to offer you fun, free activities throughout summer on our local bluffs and parks. This year, Davyd Tennis, a RWHS 2018 alumnus, joins veteran Park Naturalist Erin Aadalen. Davyd (pronounced DAH-vid) grew up in Red Wing as an avid ELC member and now studies Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics at the U of M. Erin and Davyd have planned events for all ages, abilities, and experience levels, so come outside and join the fun!
Photo of Park Naturalist Davyd Tennis
See all the free park events at the Park Naturalists' Calendar here.
Brainstorming New Spaces in Empty Places
Current photo of inside the old Chief Theater on Bush Street downtown
Imagine the possibilities of rejuvenating downtown's vacant buildings. During Red Wing's 2040 input process, the community said it wanted emphasis on publicizing and renovating these empty locations, including second-floor options that often sit unnoticed. Recently, the Port Authority and Downtown Main Street conducted a tour of six spots and held a roundtable discussion with expert Tanner Ott, who's successfully renovated multiple buildings in the small northern town of Ely, MN. If you or someone you know has an interest in discussing potential opportunities, contact Dan Rogness, Community Development Director.
Stepping Up Sustainability
Red Wing doesn't just talk about sustainability. It takes action. For the second consecutive year, our city achieved top-level Step 5 of the GreenStep Cities program. We're one of fewer than 15 cities in Minnesota to do this, leading the way in best practices focused on cost savings, energy-use reductions, and climate-based innovation. GreenStep Cities is a statewide initiative, and Red Wing continues to reach for the top. More good work will follow with new goals set in the City's 2019 Strategic Plan .
Photo of Paul Drotos at the EV Fast Charger with members of the GreenStep workshop
Help Red Wing go green and join
Getting Back on Track
For residents living in the Bush Street/10th Street neighborhood, the end of the 2018 street reconstruction project has been a long time coming. Completion was pushed back due to unexpected complications, but crews are now working and residents should expect smooth streets and sidewalks shortly. Engineer Dean Chamberlain explains what's happening.
Make Your Mark on West End's New Mural
Image of a flyer for the Community Mural workshop
What better way to kick-start the West End District's renovation than with a community mural? While the Old West Main Street reconstruction project is still a bit in the future, a grassroots effort between the Red Wing Artisan Collective, Red Wing Arts, and ArtReach is starting the creative work now. These local groups are partnering with renowned artist Peyton Scott Russell to host a two-week community workshop. People of all ages will collaborate on a community design and learn how to use graffiti-style art to revive an exterior building and simultaneously add public art to a whole residential-retail neighborhood. Register for the free June workshops here, and on June 29, folks with paint the mural on the Artisan Collective building at 1523 Old West Main Street. We know you're curious. Come join!
This project is also sponsored by the Red Wing HRA, Wings, and SEMAC.
Sheldon Keeps Eyes on World-Class Events
Logo of the Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts
Congratulations to our own Sheldon Theatre for again attracting national attention. They've been recommended for funding in the latest round of  National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants . This project will continue the Sheldon's commitment to world-music programming at the local level.

Check out the Sheldon's 2019-20 season here, which will be announced May 22. Season packages go on sale May 23.
Tree Time
Finally, it's almost time to replant the trees Bay Point Park lost in the wind storm last summer. Once the river has receded, 25 new magnolia trees will be planted in the park and along Levee Road. Crews are also now planting a variety of other trees such as sycamore, red buds, and disease-resistant elms in boulevards and spots where ash trees were removed last year. In total, you'll see 75 new trees planted this spring around town and 125 more later this fall.
All in a Day's Work
Photo of Lori Richter
With Public Works Week coming up, we'd like to recognize one of those hard-working folks. Lori Richter has worn a lot of hats for the City of Red Wing. From the first official receptionist at City Hall to her current position as an office specialist for Public Works, she's seen quite a few changes. Lori enjoys the variety her job offers and has been providing excellent customer service to Red Wing residents for 25 years. Thank you for all you do, Lori!
Did You Miss That Meeting?
Now you can watch any City meeting on demand, 24-hours a day, through our website. Want to see what’s playing on Channel 6 right now?   From this page, you can select to view either the archive of City meetings or the Channel 6 live stream on any device.
We'll Save You a Seat
You're invited to these meetings and events
Sheldon Theatre Board Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Tuesday, May 21 at 5:15 p.m.
Advisory Planning Commission Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m.
Sister Cities Commission Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Wednesday, May 22 at 5 p.m.
Human Rights Commission Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Thursday, May 23 at 6 p.m.
Sustainability Commission Special Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Tuesday, May 28 at 5 p.m.
Sustainability Commission Workshop
City Hall Mississippi Room
Tuesday, May 28 at 5:45 p.m.
City Council Special Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Tuesday, May 28 at 6 p.m.
Heritage Preservation Commission Merit Award Presentation
& Local Archeology Presentation
Wednesday, May 29 at 6 p.m.
Community Conversation -
Inside the Addicted Brain
Red Wing Public Library - Foot Room
Wednesday, May 29 at 6 p.m.
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