The City of Lathrop just announced the official opening of Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton Park.

Appropriately, this new green space within the New Acres Community Neighborhood is located at 14469 Reverend Maurice Cotton Drive – the street named in honor of her late husband, Rev. Maurice Cotton Sr.

Minnie Lee and Rev. Maurice Cotton Sr. were one of the first African American families to set roots in Lathrop back in the early 1940s.

They immediately began working to improve their new community during a time when diversity was almost nonexistent in Lathrop. Included was the opening of two churches in the city over the years.

Minnie Lee Cotton served as the Assistant State Supervisor for the Church of God in Christ for many years, with her efforts bringing recognition to Lathrop. Highlight Church was the first nationally recognized church in Lathrop within the Church of God in Christ organization.

Her ministries were countless along with her dedication, hard work, and love for others.

In October 2023, the Lathrop City Council, in a move that typically calls for the Parks & Recreation Commission to handle the naming of parks – the commission meeting back then was canceled due to lack of a quorum – voted in favor of the name Missionary Minnie Lee Cotton Park, due in part to her over 80 years of “making a difference in the Lathrop community.”

The new park is available for “families to gather, kids to play, and neighbors to connect,” said the City of Lathrop via social media on Friday.

She was in attendance during the ribbon-cutting event held this week.

“This park is part of our ongoing commitment to invest in Lathrop’s neighborhoods and create vibrant places for everyone to enjoy.

“Whether you're here for a stroll, a playdate, or just to soak in the sunshine, this park is for you,” said the City of Lathrop.