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 A New Art Installation is Added to Caldwell Park as Part of a Statewide Grant
A stunning new art installation is buzzing at Caldwell Park! The “Dragon Dancer" created by the RAiNFOREST Art Project has been installed as part of a larger grant to improve and beautify Caldwell Park. The project was funded by the California Prop 68 Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP), a grant that helps create new parks and renovate existing ones, especially in underserved communities.
The Caldwell Park expansion is actively moving forward under a revised scope that aligns with the remaining $4.4 million budget, following adjustments due to inflation and supply chain challenges. Key features—including the bike park, trail lighting, public art, and new amenities—have been prioritized, with construction expected to begin in June 2026 and be completed by June 2027. The project remains on track to meet the State’s 2028 deadline.
The Dragon Dancer is a lighted steel sculpture featuring a three-dimensional mosaicked dragonfly resting on a cattail. It stands 19 feet tall and is 7 feet in diameter. More than just a work of art, The Dragon Dancer functions as a bench just 30 feet from the Sacramento River Trail, making it a great place to enjoy some time in nature.
Mosaics will ultimately cover the sculpture’s concrete base. Those mosaics will be designed and completed in collaboration with students and teachers from local schools, including Burney Jr. Sr. High School, Enterprise / Shasta Union High School, Enterprise High School, Redding School of the Arts, and University Preparatory School. Mosaic work is expected to be added in the next few weeks.
Take a walk or bike ride at Caldwell Park to meet the Dragon Dancer. You can’t miss it!
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 Exciting Changes Are Happening at the Redding Sports Park, Including a Restaurant Called The Black Sheep Gastropub
What's the latest with Redding Sports Park? In this episode of the City of Redding Podcast, Katie and Steve sit down with Director of Community Services Travis Menne to talk about the park's evolution - what’s new, what’s working, and what’s ahead.
Since the City of Redding took over operations, the park has grown into more than just a sports facility—it’s becoming a true community destination! In this episode, you’ll hear updates on two of the most talked-about topics: the new on-site restaurant and the status of the turf fields.
The Black Sheep Gastropub, a new, full-scale dining experience has officially opened to the public! This English-Irish-American gastropub is serving up fish & chips, Shepherd's Pie, ahi tuna poki nachos, from-scratch burgers and pizza, plus beer and wine. The Black Sheep Gastropub is a destination even if you’re not attending a sports event. Check it out this weekend, with NO gate fees after 5 pm on Friday & Saturday, April 17 & 18.
Other new additions like volleyball, future amenities, and how the park is expanding opportunities for the entire community—not just athletes—will also be covered.
Whether you’re a regular at the park or haven’t visited yet, this episode gives you a great look at where things stand today—and where they’re headed next.
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 Now Is the Time to Prepare for Wildfire Season
April is Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Awareness Month!What, exactly, is the Wildland Urban Interface? It is “the line, area or zone where structures or other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels,” according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Communities near or surrounded by wildland, like Redding, are at increased risk of wildfire. It’s great having nature nearby to enjoy, but it’s a responsibility, too.
With fire season just a blink away in California, NOW is the time to prepare yourself, your family, and your home for wildfire. Being proactive saves lives! Here’s how:
 Create at least 100 feet of defensible space at your home or office. Get your FREE City of Redding burn permit on the Redding Fire Department's Website through the end of April.
Pack each member of your family a go-bag.
Sign up for AlertShasta to ensure that you receive safety alerts in an emergency.
📸Grayson Hartman
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 Go Exploring This Spring with the Bigfoot Adventure Challenge
Bigfoot has officially been spotted…
The Bigfoot Adventure Challenge is ON for April & May—and it’s your chance to explore the wild side of Redding on foot, bike, or even with your dog!
The best part? It’s completely FREE.
 Download your passport
Complete 3 routes = earn Bigfoot socks
Complete ALL routes = unlock the blackout hat
From mountain biking to trail running to family-friendly adventures, there’s something for everyone—no matter your pace or starting point.
Get outside. Get moving. And see if you can keep up with Bigfoot.
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 Ongoing Maintenance at the Redding Power Plant Helps Ensure the Facility is Prepared for Hot Summer Temperatures
Big work is underway at the Redding Power Plant this spring. Since March 2, crews, plant staff, and many contractors have been working through more than 200 planned maintenance tasks across all six generating units to complete critical inspections, upgrades, and repairs that help keep service safe and reliable. This includes: a new start motor on Unit 5, a 20-ton gearbox replacement and generator inspection on Unit 6, and plant-wide testing, calibrations, and mechanical rebuilds.
The record-breaking heat that Redding saw in March is a strong reminder of why proactive maintenance matters. Keeping equipment in top condition helps REU prepare for high-demand periods, support reliable operations, and continue powering our community when it matters most.
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 Gather Your Unused or Expired Medications for National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25
Do you have unused or expired medications in your cabinet? Now is a great time to sort through them in preparation for National Drug Take Back Day! Drop off those unused or expired medicines at the Drive Thru & Drop Off Event happening at Redding City Hall on Saturday, April 25th, from 10 am to 2 pm.
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 Looking for Ways To Use Less Water In Your Landscaping? Check Out ReddingWaterSmart.com
Looking to trade out your grass for something that requires less water? Consider Lippia nodiflora 'Rosea', a perennial with gray-green leaves that grows 3/4" long.
Lippia produces small lilac to rose flowers in tight, round heads 1/2" across that bloom from spring through fall. This water-smart alternative to grass creeps and spreads to form a flat, ground-hugging mat. It's sturdy enough to serve as a lawn, and requires low to moderate water. Bonus: the bees love this California Native plant!
ReddingWaterSmart.com offers a wide range of water-saving and gardening tips. It has great resources for beautiful, sustainable, climate-appropriate, and drought-tolerant plants, trees, and grasses that thrive in Redding. You can even add your favorite plants to a private list that you bring to your local nursery. It's a great time to reimagine your garden before summer hits.
 The City of Redding Housing Division Seeks Community Feedback on Draft Documents of the Citizen Participation Plan & Annual Action Plan
The City of Redding Housing Division has released a draft of its Citizen Participation Plan and Annual Action Plan, a small-scale version of the 5-Year Consolidated Plan. The City is seeking public feedback to ensure the plans align with community needs before they are approved by the Redding City Council.
While the Annual Plan most directly addresses the needs of community members with low to moderate income, including people experiencing homelessness, meeting those needs ultimately benefits everyone in the City, including high-income earners.
Issues such as infrastructure improvements, ADA-compliant sidewalks, park and housing development, rehabilitation of community facilities, and grant funding for local nonprofit programs are all part of the Annual Action Plan.
Feedback can be submitted no later than Tuesday, May 5th, in the following ways:
 Written correspondence, addressed to the Housing Division, via email at smckinney@cityofredding.gov
By phone to Sarah McKinney (530)225-4136
In person at the Redding City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 5.
Approval of the Annual Action Plan and Citizen Participation Plan is expected at the Redding City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 6 pm.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
April 17 & 18
FREE Gate Entry After 5 pm @ Redding Sports Park
April 21
Redding City Council Meeting @ 6 pm
April 25
National Drug Take Back Day @10am @Redding City Hall
April 30
Burn Season Ends in the City of Redding
May 5
Last Day to Submit Feedback on Draft Documents for The Housing Division's Citizen Participation Plan & Annual Action Plan
May 5
Redding City Council Meeting @ 6 pm
May 31
Final Day for Bigfoot Adventure Challenge
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THE CITY OF REDDING | 777 Cypress Avenue, Redding, CA 96001 |
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