From inflatable hamster wheel races to sports clinics led by professional athletes, Red Wing Community Education and Recreation is offering a wide range of summer activities for residents of all ages.
“Our department slogan is lifelong learning, lifetime fun,” said Recreation Coordinator Noah Beierman. “We do a lot of educational programs and events for the community, along with the recreational side.”
The Community Education and Recreation department operates under Red Wing Public Schools and coordinates a variety of enrichment and recreational opportunities for the local and surrounding communities.
New to this year’s lineup of activities is the Hamster Wheel Hustle, a series of water relay races using inflatable, human-sized hamster wheels at the Colvill Aquatic Center.
“We’re going to have a relay-type race with kids,” Beierman said. “They’ll be able to practice a little bit beforehand, have a little bit of fun on it and then once they’ve gotten accustomed to how to move with it on the water, then we’re going to do a relay race between two teams.”
The races, which Beierman said are limited to ages 7 to 17 in order to avoid any unfortunate popping scenarios, cost $8 and are scheduled to take place from 10 to 11 a.m. July 23, July 31 and Aug. 13.
Another upcoming event is the ND42 Basketball Camp, led by retired professional player and Minnesota native Noah Dahlman. Dahlman has played in more than seven countries, winning two Macedonian National Championships while playing with MZT Skopje and a Dutch National Championship while playing with the Landstede Hammers.
The camp, set for Aug. 30-31, costs $110 and is designed for both boys and girls to learn basketball fundamentals.
Among other available programs is the Coach Pitch Blitzball League for children ages 5 to 8. The league introduces players to the fundamentals of baseball in a modified game format that sets the young athletes up for success. Sessions will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, July 16 through Aug. 20. The cost is $75 and includes a T-shirt.
Additional Community Education and Recreation summer offerings include a new intro to freestyle dance program on Friday nights at Red Wing Middle School, as well as summer ice hockey programs, ranging from power skating to a hockey shooting clinic and learn-to-skate classes. Many aquatic, soccer and youth dance classes also remain open throughout July and August.
Adults also have access to summer activities through Community Education, including make-and-take art classes, local history tours and a permit-to-carry course.
The adult co-ed softball league is currently in session, and the season-ending tournament is scheduled for Aug. 9 starting at 8 a.m. Eleven teams are expected to compete. Depending on game progression, the tournament may continue into Aug. 10.
“We’re trying to promote that and have all of our Red Wing people come out and attend,” Beierman said.
That community connection is a big part of why the department does what it does, he added.
More than just providing something fun to do, Beierman said Community Education and Recreation programs play a valuable role in building long-term community engagement and participation in other local organizations.
“It drives stakes within the community,” he said. “We have kids who, maybe they take Intro to Soccer or an after school soccer program with us, and then they end up liking it and playing for association soccer and later high school soccer. It feeds into other community groups and, for a relatively low cost, allows people to be able to have activities for their kids all summer long, all school year long as well.”
He added that while summer is the busiest season, programs are offered year-round.
Registration for all programs can be completed online, by phone or in person. For more information or to view the full summer catalog, visit redwing.k12.mn.us/community-education-homepage.