Cottage Grove board directs short-term overflow parking plan for Bakken Park after rugby crowding

Village of Cottage Grove trustees on Monday directed staff to activate a temporary overflow parking area at Bakken Park for large events and to tighten special-event permit requirements after a May 31 rugby tournament left streets and lots congested.

The action came after residents, Parks and Recreation staff and public-safety officials described cars parked on Vilas Road and heavy pedestrian traffic that created a near–public-safety situation. Trustees and staff said a short-term fix — a staffed grassy overflow area inside the park — would be implemented while longer-term options are developed.

The queue of parking options includes a short-term grassy overflow area that staff estimate can hold about 140 cars and cost roughly $2,700 for one-time supplies (signage and tall traffic cones) plus modest staff time to set up; adding approximately 10…