May 31, 2019
Stay aware, everyone! Roads to some of our major parks may be closed this weekend due to construction and high water. Be patient and stay safe!
Splashing Into Summer
Celebrate the new splash pad Saturday, June 1
3D rendered image of the Red Wing splash pad
It’s time, Red Wing! Come out this Saturday, June 1 at 11 a.m.; that's when the waterworks officially start. Join the City of Red Wing and the project's philanthropic sponsor, the Red Wing Area Fund, for a special grand opening. We'll be at 1333 Mason Street at the Athletic Field (next to the playground). The splash pad is free and open all summer. See you there!
Council Starts Setting Priorities
The 20-year plan and 10-year plan are now complete; what now? Naming priorities for today! This week, Council members identified strategies from the long-term plans they'd like to work on over the next three years. Most relate to housing, economic development, environmental sustainability, public safety, infrastructure and utilities, and arts and culture. Now, city staff and elected leaders are compiling a to-do list that will shape the city's work plans and budget over the next three years. Details to come!
Archie the Canine Now a K-9
Photo of Officer Dahl and K9 Archie at training graduation
It's been almost four years since the Red Wing Police Department had a canine on the force, so we're thrilled to introduce K-9 Archie, the RWPD's newest training graduate. Archie, a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois breed, and Officer Andy Dahl, Archie's handler, have been training since March on skills like agility, suspect and article search, and narcotics detection. Archie passed with flying colors, so welcome Archie! We're glad you're here to help make Red Wing a safer place for all of us.
We Know You've Got Opinions
Keep sharing them! We're starting a new program posting questions to you about our city, how you live in it, and how we can work together to improve it. Your answers are anonymous. We only see data as a whole and nothing is connected with your personal contact information. Just sign up here. We'll send out questions regularly and report back to you with the results. We'll also share results with your elected and appointed leaders. This isn't the only way we'll reach out -- but it's one easy way to let us know what you're thinking!
THIS WEEK: PARKS
Click here to answer three quick questions about how you use RW's parks. Remember, answers are anonymous and the City of RW has no access to personal information.
Having trouble? Let us know here.
Preserving Our Roots
From all of us who enjoy our Red Wing area trails, parks, and bluffs, we say another thank you to those who generously donate funds and land for the benefit of everyone. Most recently, Lutheran Social Services donated more than 200 acres to the Trust for Public Land--most of it being added to the Cannon Valley Turtle Preserve near the Cannon Valley Trail. That means more protected green space around us for native flora, fauna, and fresh air. Want the full scoop on the donation? Watch the City Council presentation here.
Can You Find It?
Our summer "Can You Find It?" series is back! Here's our first clue of the season: This stunning work of art lies hidden to many who visit a particular depression-era granite building in Red Wing. Surrounded by paintings of nature and indigenous women, this mosaic shines down on those who take time to look up. Know where it is? Click here to tell us  your name and answer, and you might win a prize. We'll report the answer and winner in the next issue of City Beat!
Burning Desire to Read
These young readers have a story to tell--they got to ride in a fire truck to school! Through the Burning Desire to Read program, teachers nominate students who rise above the rest in their desire to read, and the ultimate winners earn a unique trip to class--complete with lights flashing. Thanks to the Red Wing Fire Department, Red Wing Public Schools, and the Public Library for their dedication to this program. Keep on reading, kids!
Photo of Mayor Dowse and Acting Fire Chief Mike Warner with the 2019 winners of the Burning Desire to Read program
Making Sense of Dollars and Cents
Budgeting at home is usually an ongoing process, and we may not always agree with everyone in our household. City budgeting is also a year-round affair, and it always involves discussion, compromise, and planning. To stay up-to-date on what's happening with the city budget, click on our 2020 Budget web page here. You'll find reports, videos, workshop notes, important dates, and additional items to help make sense of it all. Check back for ongoing updates.
Next Budget Discussion:
Monday June 10, 2019--Priorities

Held as part of the Council's regular meeting. 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Read Your Way Through Summer
Kids shouldn't have all the fun. The Red Wing Public Library is bringing back its adult summer reading program. Sign up for a chance to win all sorts of goodies just for enjoying a few good books (or audiobooks or eBooks) through July 31.
Registration is open and free!
Image of a sun wearing shades and holding an open book next to the words Summer Reading
Bike-Pedestrian Bridge Design Begins
City Council voted this week to start the design process for the bike-pedestrian bridge that's planned to connect the soon-to-be renovated West End District with the Bay Point Park Conservancy area. To read more about the bike-pedestrian bridge project, click here. For details on the whole multi-year Old West Main-Upper Harbor Renewal Project, click here.
All in a Day's Work
Photo of Officer Dahl next to the American flag
When the Red Wing Police Department put out a request for a canine handler, Officer Andy Dahl happily answered the call. Having been with the RWPD three years, Dahl said he wanted the challenge a canine partner presents, and the process has been extremely rewarding. "I've learned a lot with this training," Dahl says. "It's cool to see how far [Archie] has advanced." The RWPD's newest dynamic duo is now ready!
Did You Miss That Meeting?
Now you can watch any City of Red Wing meeting at your convenience on our website. From this page , just select "Archive of City Meetings" and scroll down to find the specific meeting you're looking for, and you can watch it on any device. Or, select the "Channel 6 live stream" and you can watch our government access channel whenever and wherever you wish.
We'll Save You a Seat
Port Authority Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Tuesday, June 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Heritage Preservation Commission
City Hall Council Chambers
Wednesday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Basic Life Support
CPR Certification Course
Fire Station 1
Saturday, June 8 at 2 p.m.
Red Wing Public Library Workshop
Public Library - Foot Room
Monday, June 10 at 4:30 p.m.
City Council Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Monday, June 10 at 6 p.m.
Includes 2020 Budget Discussion
Housing & Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting
City Hall Council Chambers
Tuesday, June 11 at 3:30 p.m.
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