Board approves single‑phase Shady Grove Park buildout using Heyday park contributions

The Cottage Grove Village Board on Aug. 18 approved completing Shady Grove Park in a single construction phase, using additional park development funds including $198,380 from fees collected in connection with the nearby Heyday development.

Trustee Dahl moved to proceed with the single‑phase buildout at an estimated construction cost presented to the board; Trustee Buenzo seconded and the motion carried. Staff and the park designer said completing the park in one phase reduces duplicate mobilization costs and produces a finished park that will be immediately usable by residents and future nearby development.

Why it matters: the Heyday development will generate fee‑in‑lieu funds rather than dedicated parkland. Shady Grove is the closest village park to that development; trustees agreed directing some of those fees to complete the Shady Grove plan now will avoid higher combined costs if the park were built in multiple phases.

Project details: the board reviewed a 90% design that includes a playground, looped sidewalk, a gazebo, drinking fountain and utilities. Blake, the landscape architect, explained design and placement decisions, including siting a public drinking fountain outside the shelter so it remains accessible when a shelter is reserved. The construction schedule was described as flexible; bidding may occur in fall or early next spring to achieve better pricing and contractor availability.

Next steps: staff will proceed with bidding and coordinate with the parks committee and residents on a timeline. Construction sequencing aims to minimize repeat site disturbance and allow opening of park features in the spring following completion.