Our community is very fortunate to have so many charming parks available to both residents and visitors.

For many of us, there are fond memories of attending graduations, family reunions, weddings, celebrations and picnics at the cottage surrounded by the splendor of the lake, playgrounds for children, the band shell for music occasions, a ball park and the fishing pier for families to enjoy. There are many evenings I walk my puppy to Edgewater Park and each and every time I feel so blessed to have a beautiful park with all the amenities it has to offer us. The Cottage is a wonderful gift to our community and continues to make fond memories. Several people have commented that they would hate to see the Cottage torn down. I certainly hope that will not happen, but we need your help!

The Albert Lea Parks & Recreation Department is not planning on tearing the Cottage down next spring. They are not taking reservations for the 2013 season until they see how it comes through the winter. The city Inspection Department will look at it mid-January and depending on the condition, hopefully start taking reservations.

There is an organizational meeting to “Save the Cottage” scheduled for Aug. 16 in Edgewater Park at the Cottage from 6 to 9 p.m. Please come out and invite anyone else willing to help to attend. The committee doesn’t know how much the restoration will actually cost yet.

If you are unable to attend, the committee is looking for cash funds, assistance with labor and those willing to provide materials at or below cost.

Contributions will be tax-deductible if made out to: Albert Lea Chamber Foundation Add: Edgewater Cottage Fund on the memo line of the check.

Albert Lea is known for its collaboration — let’s work together and save the Cottage!

 

Susie Petersen

Albert Lea