Cottage Grove seeks community feedback about Mississippi Dunes plan

Fifty people attended a recent community meeting about the future of Mississippi Dunes.

It's clearer than ever that many community members want to see a special place in Cottage Grove — the former Mississippi Dunes golf course — preserved for a riverfront park and wildlife habitat.

On September 28, 50 community members attended FMR's community meeting about Mississippi Dunes. Cottage Grove Mayor Myron Bailey and councilmembers Justin Olsen and Steve Dennis also attended and listened as residents shared their hopes for Mississippi Dunes. It was powerful to be together with so many people interested in the potential for this site.

Cottage Grove will be making important decisions about the future of Mississippi Dunes in the following months. Redevelopment will involve many steps, but the first will be completing a master plan for the site. The city is currently gathering feedback on a draft master plan that includes 77 acres of residential development (260 homes) and 45 acres of parkland and open space.

Take action for a Mississippi Dunes park

City leaders have encouraged feedback about this master plan. Here are some ways to share your ideas.

Attend the following city events:

• City open house about the Mississippi Dunes Master Plan — October 7, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at City Hall
• Parks Commission meeting (will make recommendation on master plan) — November 8, 7 p.m. at City Hall
• City Council meeting (will vote on master plan) — November 17, 7 p.m. at City Hall

The November 8 and 17 meetings will include time for public comments, and we'd love to see as many community members come and speak as possible! If you're interested in speaking for 1-2 minutes to share your ideas about Mississippi Dunes, please let us know that you plan to attend. If you'd like, we can help you feel prepared and comfortable.

Take the city's survey about the Mississippi Dunes draft master plan (open through October 15).

Write to councilmembers and staff:

• Mayor Myron Bailey: mbailey@cottagegrovemn.gov
• Councilmember Steve Dennis: stevedennisforcg@msn.com
• Councilmember Justin Olsen: jolsen@cottagegrovemn.gov
• Councilmember La Rae Mills: lmills@cottagegrovemn.gov
• Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director: zdockter@cottagegrovemn.gov

As you share your ideas for Mississippi Dunes, consider these questions:

• What activities or amenities would you like to see at a Mississippi Dunes park? What would encourage you to visit and enjoy the park?
• What would you like to see in any housing development surrounding the park? Would you like the city to consider higher-density housing (townhomes or apartments instead of single-family homes) if it made a larger park possible?

We believe that with more time, community involvement and city leadership, it's possible to purchase more land for a Mississippi Dunes park. Together, we can help protect this riverfront treasure.

For more information or to get involved, contact Colleen O'Connor Toberman, FMR's Land Use & Planning Director: ctoberman@fmr.org, 651-222-2193 x29.