COTTAGE GROVE – Affectionately coined the “Covered Bridge Capital of Oregon,” Cottage Grove’s Main Street blends delicious eateries, local shops, and historical flair. Nearby, tourists and community members alike embrace the outdoors at 14-acre Bohemia Park, a music venue and idyllic backdrop for picnics, strolls, and breathless games of tag for children on the playground.
Thanks to two (EDA) grants, both community fixtures are set to benefit from renovations and a boost in funding.
The Main Street Revitalization Project was awarded $6.25 million in funding to help it achieve its goal of giving Main Street new life, a pursuit that has been years in the making.
“The sidewalks are less than desirable,” said Faye Stewart, director of Cottage Grove Public Works. “They’re a tripping hazard, and (it’s) difficult for people parking their cars to open their doors. Because it’s difficult, folks, we believe, don’t come downtown as much.”
Grant funding will be used to rebuild the area from 8th Street to Willamette’s Coast Fork bridge. According to the project summary, renovations to sidewalks, curbs, and gutters are on the list. Other updates will include water services, lamp pole implementations, and upgrades to street trees, water fountains, and pavement striping.
While navigating construction may make some residents uneasy, Stewart seeks to quell apprehension and encourages people to continue frequenting downtown establishments.
“The city is committed to doing everything we can to communicate and assist and help the businesses to meet their needs during the construction period,” Stewart said.
According to Stewart, the process of soliciting bids has commenced and will wrap up by Dec. 18. He is hopeful that Cottage Grove City Council will award a contractor in January. Work is slated to start in February and ideally be completed in “a year or less,” barring weather or unforeseen costs.
“My personal goal is, in a short period of time, if not when we cut the ribbon for this project, that we see those buildings full of new businesses, existing businesses. You know, vacant buildings that are vacant today, (we) see new tenants in there and that we revitalize the downtown and really make it a destination point that folks want to come down and visit,” Stewart said.
In contrast, Bohemia Park is “about 80% done,” Stewart said.
The City’s $1.7 million in EDA grants have contributed to its mission of converting the space’s grassy opening into a streamlined entrance plaza. A newly added splash pad will provide exciting recreational opportunities when warmer weather emerges. Work is set to wrap up by the end of 2024.
“We currently have a lot of folks that come from outside the city to use the park, whether it’s for the amphitheater, and with the new splash pad and the entrance plaza, we really believe that it’s going to be just that much more of a draw to bring people to Cottage Grove to recreate,” Stewart said.
Dana Merryday, Ward 3 City Councilor, looks forward to the renovations and the increased excitement they will bring to the city.
“Overall, I think it’s going to be a real addition to Cottage Grove,” Merryday said regarding Bohemia Park. “I was lucky enough to see it when it was just a gravel field with a sign showing what was to come here, and so I always just kind of have to pinch myself and look and say, ‘Wow, quite a transition.’”
As renovations gain momentum, one thing is for sure: the city of Cottage Grove is moving on up.
Mayor Candace Solesbee, Councilor Greg Ervin, Councilor Randell Lammerman, and Georgia Haskell, Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce CEO, did not respond to requests for comment.
