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Trustees approve $150,000 Amazon-directed donation for new inclusive playground at Bakken Park
Summary
The Village Board approved partnering with Miracle League to build a larger, fully accessible playground at Bakken Park and agreed to use an Amazon-directed $150,000 donation as the village’s contribution toward an estimated $1.5 million project. Trustees asked staff to publicize the proposal and bring a formal agreement back for July 7.
Village of Cottage Grove trustees voted Monday to approve the Miracle League’s proposal for a new, fully accessible playground at Bakken Park and to use a $150,000 Amazon-directed donation as the village contribution toward the project.
Miracle League and village staff presented a concept designed by Gerber Leisure Products that the presenters said would be approximately 14,000 square feet, fully accessible to wheelchair users, and designed for players of all ages. Miracle League volunteers said the group expects to raise the bulk of the nearly $1.5 million cost and requested a village contribution to demonstrate local commitment to potential donors.
Greg Sweeney and Bill (Miracle League) told trustees that the expanded playground footprint, port-in-place surfacing and larger elements increased the price from earlier estimates. Greg said the group wants to start construction in spring 2026 and open around July 4, 2026, if fundraising and ordering deadlines are met; staff noted an August 1 ordering deadline to avoid a price increase.
Sean (parks staff) told trustees the current playground, built in 2011, is aging; staff estimated replacement cost today without additional features at about $2 million, and said the existing playground is roughly 50–60% accessible. Parks staff provided a list of potential funding sources, and the village’s park development fund balance was given as roughly $691,000 before commitments; after projects already scheduled for 2025 staff expect a balance of about $227,000.
Trustee Kel Nelson made the motion to approve the Miracle League playground proposal and to use the Amazon-directed $150,000 donation as the village’s contribution; Trustee Severson seconded. Trustees asked staff to include images, donor recognition language and donation information in a village newsletter and social posts and directed staff and the Miracle League to return with a formal agreement at the July 7 meeting. The board approved the motion.
Several trustees and residents said they support inclusion and the Miracle League’s goals, while others asked for clearer public outreach because the current playground includes donor plaques and memorials from the original Dream Park project. Miracle League representatives and staff said the plan preserves the donor entry area and that individual plaques and recognition elements will be incorporated in the new design. Staff also said they will present options if the new playground is built adjacent to or in place of the existing structure, and that donor recognition will be maintained.
Trustees instructed staff to finalize a funding agreement with Miracle League and to return to the board on July 7 for final review of the agreement and timeline. Staff and Miracle League representatives noted the village’s donation would not be refundable; funds given to the playground project would remain in the Miracle League fund if scheduling or fundraising timelines change.
