05-05-2014 Park Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES, AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING Monday, March 1, 2004 7;15 o'clock p,m. Council for review. While she was unfamiliar with the circumstances surrounding the history of Bederwood, Silber stated that when she joined the Park Commission, she was told that the neighborhood vehemently opposed expanded use of those fields. Chair McDermott explained that, when he joined the Park Commission, OBA was using Bederwood facilities, although Bederwood was donated to the City as a neighborhood park. He pointed out that in the comp plan `neighborhood parks' must meet certain criteria, including the fact that organized use is limited to two nights per week. McDermott stated that he believed the Lee Carlson facilities were built with this notion in mind. Halvorson pointed out that there is a very nice baseball field at Bederwood. She indicated that when her son was young and played baseball at Bederwood, they felt it was a wonderful little league facility, Since the time that use of the facility was restricted, Halvorson hct the neighbors have made little use of the field. 2 V ei- OnM t 4 - Silber asked how the comp plan might impact the request for additional use. Chair McDermott stated that the comp plan would have to be amended, via a public process, to change the classification of the park. Pesek questioned what impact use of the ball park would have on neighbors, since the closest neighbors are quite a distance away from the park itself. Chair McDermott pointed out that, originally, the neighbors felt the use of the ball field 5-6 nights a week was excessive and left little or no time for neighbors and youths to use the fields. Palmquist indicated that the typical start time for OBA activities would be about 6 PM; therefore, allowing time after school for the pick-up games neighbors were referring to. In addition, he indicated that the kids using the field for pick-up games would be encouraged to join the organization. He stated that OBA would like to use the facilities more than 2 nights per week, ideally 5-6 nights, noting the field would be used primarily for practices and youths. He maintained that few homes would be affected by the noise and pointed out that the lack of lit facilities would limit the hours of use. Palmquist upheld the fact that there is a shortage of available facilities in Orono, and pointed out that Bederwood seems to be an underutilized resource, which due to the lack of use and care, is in need of the improvements OBA would perform. Silber asked whether OBA representatives would be willing to make their case to the City Council if the Park Commission were to recommend the Council hold a public process. Palmquist indicated that OBA would welcome the opportunity to plead their case to Council. PAGE 2