First Flight

Jeff Barber, 2015

Red Wing Arts approached the City of Red Wing with the concept of creating an exceptional park dedicated to providing a refuge for pollinators - bees, butterflies, etc. The park would be a focal point of the entrance to both downtown Red Wing and the riverfront.

Working with Goodhue County Master Gardeners, Scenic Spaces (landscape design), and the City, Red Wing Arts spearheaded the development of Pollinator Park. Many of the native plants and grasses were planted in November 2015. The remainder of the work was resumed spring of 2016.

First Flight is central to the park. The 7-foot high sculpture was created by Jeff Barber. Above shows his concept piece. The site of the former Taco Johns at Main & Broad Streets is part of a transformation to create this gateway to downtown Red Wing. The park features walkways, benches, a tribute sculpture, and an information kiosk. Education is an important component of Pollinator Park. Learn more about Red Wing Arts here: https://redwingarts.org/