07/14/2025
RIBBON-CUTTING OFFICIALLY OPENS BOHEMIA PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Splash pad, restrooms, mural among its new amenities
An impressive crowd gathered at the new splash pad at Bohemia Park on Monday morning, but not all of them were thrilled when the splashing actually began.
Cottage Grove Public Works Director Faye Hills Stewart II, who also serves as President of the Bohemia Foundation, presided over a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the installation of improvements at the north end of Bohemia Park, which is managed through a partnership between the Foundation and the City of Cottage Grove.
New amenities there include a second set of restrooms, benches, new walkways, a swing set and the aforementioned splash pad, which has seen constant use by area youngsters since its recent opening. The east-facing wall of the new restrooms also features a mural that depicts Old No. 19, the engine that pulled the “Galloping Goose” passenger train in the 1970s and 80s. Debra Monsive, who spearheaded funding for the mural, and Heather Endicott, its artist, were also on hand at the ribbon-cutting.
Dignitaries including Mayor Candace Solesbee, Council President Greg Ervin and former Mayors Gary Williams and Jim Gilroy were on hand for the ribbon-cutting, which was perhaps fittingly cut a bit short when an area youngster activated the water jets and doused the crowd.
Prior to the sprinkling, Stewart recounted the evolution of the park and thanked those who helped contribute to its newest features. He recalled that the park was the brainchild of the Bohemia Foundation’s Stub Stewart, who served on the board of state parks for decades and understood the value of parks to communities.
Bohemia Park was a vacant brown field before a four-phase plan for its evolution began, Faye Stewart said, adding that the splash pad and other north-end amenities represent its third phase. He recalled that a challenge grant from the Woodard Foundation led to fundraising that eventually helped garner grants from the federal Economic Development Administration and the State of Oregon’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Stewart also recognized Christina Lund of Lund Development Solutions for her extensive fundraising efforts for the Park over the years. He also pointed out that he was standing under the structure that should one day house a water tower that will feature a reader board that will alert the community to upcoming events and, when necessary, emergency announcements. Lund and her team are currently raising funds to complete the water tower.
Interested in contributing to the installation of the new water tower at Bohemia Park? Contact Lund Development Solutions by emailing [email protected] or calling 541-345-2580.
PICTURED: Mayor Candace Solesbee and former Mayor Gary Williams officially open the splash pad.
