About Us
WAG Farms Dog Park is a 14 acre, fully fenced park where dogs of all sizes can exercise and socialize while being off-leash. As part of Cottage Grove's municipal park system, it is operated and maintained primarily by the WAG Farms Dog Park Association, a group of volunteers dedicated to providing this wonderful asset for area dog owners. Watch the video below to learn more.
Our Story
WAG Farms Dog Park was established through a grass roots effort by a group of volunteers working in collaboration with Cottage Grove city officials. The partnership involved the city leasing the land while the volunteers were responsible for raising all funds necessary for construction to get the park up and running. A non-profit group, WAG Farms Dog Park Association, was formed with the mission of raising these funds and overseeing on-going operations of the park. WFDPA handles the majority of park maintenance, improvements, fund-raising and stewardship, lead by the board members and other volunteers.
Meet The Board Members
Ellen Edwards
President
Ellen has been president of WFDPA since the park opened in 2011 and was one of the original co-founders. Her day job is working as a marketing manager at 3M, but her side passion is helping operate the dog park. Ellen and her fur baby Hatch, a Rottweiler mix, can be seen at the park not only enjoying themselves, but handling such tasks as emptying the donation boxes and routine upkeep. Ellen’s favorite thing about the park is seeing the joy in all the dogs when they visit and hearing stories about the connections that are made among the users.
Bryan Edwards
Secretary
Bryan, hubby to Ellen, has also been a board member since 2011. By day, Bryan works as an executive for an industrial rubber products manufacturer, but his side job includes head of all things maintenance related. He brings his handyman skills to the park to take care of everything from gate repairs, removing downed trees, and other construction projects. What Bryan loves most about the park is the way it brings people and animals together so naturally.
Joe Prickett
Member At Large
Joe is another one of our long-standing volunteers and board members. Retired from Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Joe now lives in Inver Grove Heights. Joe, and his wonderful wife, Connie, not only help with park policy and operations, but can always be counted on to roll up their sleeves and assist with various projects and events. When their two beloved Vizslas, Jill and Jackie, were still with us, the park was their true happy place, both for the dogs running free but also for enjoying the beautiful views of the Mississippi Valley.
Dick Swanson
Vice-President & Treasurer
Dick, co-founder of the dog park, has served as Vice President and Treasurer since 2011. Retired, after a long career in the banking industry, Dick lives in Cottage Grove with his wife, Kari. Dick initially got involved in the dog park because he wanted an option that was closer to home. His beloved fur baby, Gardy, a lab mix, is unfortunately no longer with us, loved making the rounds at the park taking in all the sights and smells. Dick’s favorite part about the dog park is enjoying that quality time in the outdoors along with the social aspect of meeting the other users.
Cullen Kiely
Member At Large
Cullen may only be an official board member since 2021, but he has been a critical part of the team from the very beginning. A long-standing Cottage Grove resident and retired postal worker, Cullen has been a volunteer helping with everything from emptying the garbage cans to larger construction projects. You will see Cullen and his dog Louie, a Shiba Inu mix, at the park pretty much every day. What Cullen loves most about the park is that it provides a clean and safe environment for all dogs and their owners.
Jennifer Holck
Member At Large
Jennifer Holck, our newest board member joining us in April 2023, has lived in Cottage Grove for six years. She currently spends her work days as a director of operations at People Incorporated but on her off-time enjoys being active outdoors walking, hiking and spending time up on the North Shore. And of course, getting to the dog park with her Bordie Collie mix, Archie. The dog park has become part of her and Archie’s daily routine and she is excited to be a part of this community.
Mary Burazin
Member At Large
Mary Burazin joined the board in August 2023. A longstanding residence of Cottage Grove for 23 years, Mary currently works as a senior accountant at Venture Solutions. Her beloved dog, Winnie, was a new addition to the family when they rescued her a year ago. Winnie’s joy and happiness while at the park inspired Mary to take a more active role in its operations and maintenance. Mary loves seeing Winnie’s face light up every time they enter the park gates. Whether it’s meeting new canine friends or reuniting with familiar ones, Mary believes the dog park is a hub of positive energy and connection.
WFDPA relies on the support of volunteers for the park to remain a wonderful amenity for our four-legged loved ones and we are always in need of additional help. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a board member, please send us an email at wfdpassoc@comcast.net. Click here to learn more about the park or make a donation.