Owatonna’s Economic Development Recognized

Finalists for Real Estate Journal Awards Announced

The City of Owatonna has been recognized as a finalist in several categories for the Minnesota REjournal 2025 Real Estate Awards. The awards program celebrates the achievements, successes and highlights from all sectors of the commercial real estate industry across Minnesota.

Owatonna is one of three finalists for the City/County of the Year Award. In addition, several recent projects in Owatonna have been selected as finalists for Project Awards as follows:

Charles S. Crandall Center and Owatonna High School for Government/Community Facility – Greater Minnesota
Ascend for Redevelopment – Greater Minnesota
Climate by Design International and KAMP Automation for Industrial – Greater Minnesota

The City of Owatonna’s Community Development Manager Greg Kruschke was named one of three finalists for Economic Developer of the Year. Owatonna-based Mohs Contracting is one of eight finalists for the General Contractor of the Year – Commercial Award.

Criteria for the project awards highlight how a development or redevelopment project demonstrates innovation and helps overcome negative environmental impact and its positive impact on the community. “We are thrilled to see these Owatonna projects recognized for the value they bring to our area,” said Kris Busse, City Administrator. “The awards really shine a spotlight on the collaborative approach to economic development that we have in Owatonna.”

The Charles S. Crandall Center transitioned the former State Public School Auditorium into a multi-purpose flexible public space with technology that allows City Council and School Board meetings to be live-streamed; energy-efficient heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems; and ADA-compliant accessibility. The new Owatonna High School models how modern construction can be used to train and educate the future workforce using a full career pathways model. The Ascend project showcases Owatonna’s downtown revitalization with a six-story building with spaces for Olmsted Medical Center, Mineral Springs Brewery, 69 luxury apartments overlooking the Straight River and a new two-story West Bank building. The Climate By Design building is a 205,000-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing and office facility. KAMP Automation is a 50,000-square-foot facility.

Owatonna Partners for Economic Development (OPED) is a collaborative partnership between six agencies. OPED pursues proactive opportunities for redevelopment that provide long-term solutions. For additional information, visit owatonnadevelopment.com.

Tornado Drill Day

April 10

The Owatonna Fire Department is joining the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the National Weather Service in promoting general weather safety for Severe Weather Awareness Week April 7-11, 2025.

The highlight of Severe Weather Awareness Week are two statewide tornado drills on April 10. During the drills, local sirens and all National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios will sound with a simulated tornado warning. These drills give everyone the opportunity to review their emergency plans and procedures and practice emergency drills at work or at home.

The first drill occurs on April 10 at 1:45 p.m. and the second drill will occur at 6:45 p.m. The outdoor warning sirens will sound and NOAA weather radios will activate with the weekly test code. If real severe weather is a significant threat on or before drill day, the National Weather Service's offices may postpone the simulated watch and warning to Friday.

City Pavilions Available for Special Events

Owatonna’s parks are a perfect setting for special events. Options include outdoor spaces for up to 216 guests and indoor spaces for up to 100 guests. Reservations may be made one year in advance. Payment is due at the time of reservation. For reservations, call 507.444.4321 or visit Owatonna.gov.

Current Parks & Recreation Programs

There are programs and activities offered for community members of all ages, ability levels and interests. Check out these upcoming programs and visit owatonna.gov to register or to see what else is being offered.

Adaptive Egg Scavenger Hunt Put a little spring in your step April 17 at 5 p.m. by finding hidden eggs throughout Kaplan’s Woods. The program is for ages 8 and up and costs $10. Registration Deadline is April 9.

Summer Camps Looking for an unforgettable summer camp experience for your kids? Look no further! These summer camps provide youth with ample activities from outdoor adventures to arts and crafts. For additional information and to register, check out the program catalog at owatonna.gov.

Decorating Party Volunteer your time and talents to help make the West Hills Social Commons a more beautiful and inviting space. Decorating supplies are provided. Everyone is welcome to help April 2 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Introduction to Tennis For ages 18 and up, the spring session will be April 9 through May 21 from 6 until 7 p.m. and is just $90. Indoors at the West Hills Tennis & Pickleball Center.

Seniors Trips & Programs Click on the links below for additional details and to register.

Golfing Begins in Owatonna This Week

Brooktree Golf Course Upper 9 Set to Open March 26

With spring weather, the upper nine holes at Brooktree Golf Course will be open for the 2025 golf season at noon March 26.

Starting March 27, tee times will be available beginning at 9 a.m. With the weather constantly changing, be prepared for weather-related delays that would delay daily starting times and limit clubhouse hours. The course may close on any given day during spring weather transitions. Be sure to check owatonna.gov/brooktree daily to make sure the course and the clubhouse is open. The course will only offer nine-hole tee time bookings until golfing conditions on the lower nine holes become acceptable.

Book a tee time at owatonna.gov/brooktree. For additional information about Brooktree and to stay in the loop, follow Brooktree Golf Course on Facebook for updates. Chill-aqui is preparing to open in the Brooktree clubhouse. Its owners have expressed excitement for the season and are eager to see new and familiar faces when they open. Follow Chill-aqui on Facebook for updates regarding food and beverage options both on and off the course.

Brooktree, a municipally-owned golf course and clubhouse, is nestled along the banks of Maple Creek near the entrance of picturesque Mineral Springs Park. From the greens and the patio, the sound of the creek can be heard and the lush scenery can be seen. For additional information about the City of Owatonna, please visit owatonna.gov or follow the City of Owatonna on Facebook.

Lifeguarding

Looking for a fun summer job? Come join us at River Springs Water Park as a lifeguard! We offer flexible hours and a welcoming environment! If you are interested in becoming a lifeguard, Owatonna Park and Recreation is offering lifeguard certification classes this spring! Our courses provide participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatics emergencies. For more information on lifeguarding applications as well as registration dates and deadlines, please visit Owatonna.gov.

Parking Regulation Change

Flora Street from Flowervale to Fairview

In the near future, no parking signs will be installed on Flora Street from Flowervale Street to Fairview Street. The change in parking regulations on this narrow street segment is to facilitate flow for large vehicle, emergency and other traffic. Enforcement will be in effect immediately following sign installation. Please see the image below for the affected street segment.

Map showing no parking change on Flora Street

Downstream Environmental Film Festival

March 31 at Mineral Springs Brewery

The Downstream Environmental Film Festival celebrates the artistry of local, national and international filmmakers who address critical environmental issues. Grab a drink, connect with your neighbors, enjoy outstanding films and get inspired to take action for our local land and water.

Join us at Mineral Springs Brewery in Owatonna March 31 for the Downstream Environmental Film Festival. Can’t make this date? Check out the three other screenings throughout the Cannon River Watershed by visiting cleanriverpartners.org/events. Click Here to Register.

Wood Orders

The City of Owatonna Public Works Department is accepting wood and wood chip orders:

Within City Limits: $30
0-10 Miles of City Limits: $45
10-15 Miles of City Limits: $65

Limited to delivery within 15 miles of Owatonna City Limits. The site must be accessible by a tandem dump truck. All fees must be paid in advance, prior to delivery. Submit an Online Order Form or call 507.444.4350 to place an order or call 507.444.4350 for information on how to submit an order. Wood is not split and is delivered as shown in the photo. Wood chips are approximately two to four inches and are not dyed or dried. Deliveries are based on the number of orders received.

Street Sweeping Benefits

Roadways, parking lots and other paved areas accumulate debris including trash, sediment, vegetation, organic matter and vehicle waste. The debris can contain harmful pollutants such as metals, organics, nutrients, chemicals, oils and particulate matter. These pollutants are washed into the storm drains and nearby waterbodies. Street sweeping is the most cost-effective way to help enhance environmental quality while also improving aesthetics and providing safe roadways. Visit the Street Sweeping Page to learn more about this important maintenance practice!

The Owatonna Street Division will be doing street sweeping in the coming weeks, please be patient as they work their way through town. If you notice an area with a particular need of attention, please Report a Concern.

winter parking restrictions dates graphic

Winter Parking Restrictions to End March 31

Odd/even winter parking restrictions end March 31. Year-round parking restrictions remain in effect as signs indicate. If spring snow events occur, please remember to place garbage and recycling containers behind the curb and use off-street parking if possible. For additional information on City Parking Regulations, visit https://www.owatonna.gov/publicparking.

I2026 18^th Street Reconstruction Open House Recap

The first open house for the 2026 18^th Street SE Reconstruction Project was held March 25. Residents had an opportunity to see design options, engage with City staff, hear about the upcoming project, ask questions and offer feedback. The project is in the early stages of design. The next step in the project will involve City staff working with SEH, the design consultant, to select the final layout so the design process can continue.

Additional Public Engagement Opportunities are expected throughout the design process and city staff will publish dates, times and locations as the events are scheduled. Visit the project website, Owatonna.gov/18thstreetproject, to learn more about the project, view the proposed layouts, provide feedback, and view answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

City Meetings This Week

The public is invited to attend the following City meetings this week. Agendas, meeting minutes and City Council packets are available in the Agenda Center on the City’s website: https://owatonna.gov/agendacenter.

April 1: City Council Study Session at 5:30 p.m. in the Chambers of the Charles S. Crandall Center, 540 West Hills Circle followed by their regular meeting at 7 p.m. South Central Drug Investigation Unit Meeting at 1 p.m. in the Waseca Public Safety Center Meeting Room, 303 South State Street.

April 2: Joint Powers Board Meeting at 4 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Room in the Rice County Government Building, 320 Third Street NW, Faribault.

Helpful Links

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Employment

Stay Informed

Events: Access calendars to view upcoming events.
City News Releases: View news releases published by the City of Owatonna.
Newsletters: The City of Owatonna publishes a weekly newsletter called Owatonna Update. Current and past newsletters are available here.
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March 26, 2025