To the editor,
As a resident of Cottage Grove and a member of the Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission, I am proud that our parks are a vital part of our community. The growth and maintenance of our park system has required collaboration and commitment from our city and community. Today, Cottage Grove parks are places where people of all ages come together to enjoy nature, stay active, and connect with each other.
However, with increased growth in our city’s population comes new challenges, including the need to update facilities, improve accessibility, and expand space, programming, and activities to appeal to diverse interests and age groups. While the city has made significant progress with available financial resources, its current budget is inadequate to cover the improvements and enhancements residents have told us they want and expect in their park system.
This November, Cottage Grove residents will have the opportunity to consider a local half-percent sales tax to sustain and improve our parks system. The Preserve. Play. Prosper. plan aims to invest $36 million to upgrade and enhance Hamlet Park, create a first-of-its-kind, 33.3-acre, nature-based park along the shores of the Mississippi River, and transform River Oaks Golf Course and Event Center to be a year-round recreation destination with activities for people of all ages.
Our parks are more than recreational spaces. They reflect our community’s spirit, values, and commitment to a high quality of life. I encourage you to visit PreservePlayProsper.org to learn more about the city’s plan to enhance parks, recreation, and outdoor spaces, the plan's cost and tax impact, and how to make your voice heard on this important community decision this November.

Susie Brown
Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commissioner