The City of Redwood Falls Parks and Recreation Department offers recreational and leisure programming opportunities for youth and adults of all ages year-round.
Currently, over 60 programs meet the needs of over 2,500 annual registrations for virtually every activity. The Parks and Recreation Department has working partnerships with numerous athletic associations who provide their own independent programming for specific activities. All recreation programming takes place at the Redwood Area Community Center, any of the city parks, and the schools.
The City of Redwood Falls Parks and Recreation Department manages Ramsey Park and operates both the Redwood Area Community Center and the Redwood Falls Aquatic Center. In addition to the outstanding Ramsey Park, the City of Redwood Falls manages and maintains the Memorial Athletic Complex, the Redwood Falls Aquatic Center, and an additional six neighborhood parks: Johnson Park, Knollwood Park, Legion Park (complete with sand volleyball courts), North Redwood Park, Perks Park — Westside Park, Richard Sears Memorial Park.
Ramsey Park
At 256 acres, Ramsey Park is the largest municipal park in Minnesota. Formerly a Minnesota State Park from 1911-1957, miles of trails with footbridges crossing the Redwood River and Ramsey Creek give hikers and joggers the opportunity to explore the heavily wooded park with its deep ravines and beautiful trails. The trails can be accessed at many signed trailheads, complete with maps, throughout the park. Starting your journey at the trailhead behind the ELCA building, just before you reach the bridge, you’ll come across the old Burmeister Mill Site, marked by a plaque where you are able to overlook the Redwood River gorge.
In 1889, a young German immigrant came to Redwood Falls and established a business that became that springboard for many future enterprises in the community. At this site was located the Burmeister grist mill which received its power from the water of the Redwood River.
In 1898, August Burmeister established an electric power plant which provided power for Redwood Falls and a number of neighboring communities. In 1901, he built the dam that today forms Lake Redwood. The construction of the dam was intended to provide a constant source of water for his mill and power plant. Just around the corner from the Burmeister site you will cross the Redwood River on a walking bridge with the original ‘Redwood Falls’ cascading beneath your feet. This trail will take you to the newly renovated Zeb Gray shelter with a scenic overlook of the Redwood River and the park’s hogback peninsula.
Civic Arena, Meeting and Conference Facility, and Senior Center
The Redwood Area Community Center (RACC) is a joint project between the City of Redwood Falls and Redwood Area Public Schools. The community center is adjacent to the Redwood Valley Middle/High School. This facility includes a multi-purpose gymnasium, civic arena, new Senior Center, and newly remodeled, multi-space fitness facility. The climate-controlled Civic Arena is the home ice for the Redwood Area Hockey Association, Redwood Valley High School Hockey Team, and Redwood Falls Parks and Recreation Department Activities. The Arena can also be rented for larger, special events such as exhibits or trade shows during the no-nice season.
The Redwood Area Community Center is the area’s premier meeting and conference facility with over 6,000-square feet of functioning space. From weddings to business meetings, and trade shows to family gatherings, the conference center can be used as one large center or divided into smaller rooms, and even offers an outdoor patio space. Rental space is also available in the new Senior Center. This area is one large room with a full sound system and projection screen, along with a kitchenette. A smaller board room with media capabilities, comfortable seating, and a fireplace is also available. The Redwood Senior Center offers dining Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m., as well as a variety of activities beginning at 12:30 p.m., including cards and dice, bingo, pinochle, and other fitness programming. Membership at the Redwood Senior Center is only $10/ year.
Fieldhouse, Playground, and Fitness Center
The Fieldhouse is a four-court, multi-purpose gymnasium that can accommodate almost any use. Whether it’s an organized sporting event or simply an impromptu game of basketball, the Fieldhouse awaits you, and can also be rented for larger, special events such as exhibits or trade shows. The one-eighth mile, fourlane walking/running track is designed for strolling to sprinting, and a popular feature for young and old alike. The indoor playground is a joint collaboration between the Redwood Falls Parks & Recreation Department and the Redwood Area Early Childhood Coalition. The newly remodeled fitness center has a complete line of cardiovascular, free-weights, and other equipment for a safe and effective exercise routine, and the addition of a fitness studio offers space for group fitness classes and activities.
More Parks & Recreation Information
Visit the Redwood Area Community Center for more information and a community park map.