09-05-2017 Park Commission Packet

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in the fall of 1993. Two blinds have been constructed for convenient viewing. The Highwood Nature Area is an 11 -acre heavily wooded site crisscrossed with walking trails. Saga Hill Park is also a wooded site, acquired through a variety of tax forfeiture, direct purchases and DNR grant monies that have expanded it to some 28 acres. Portions of this park eventually may be devoted to more active uses, while the portions acquired with the assistance of the DNR will remain as an undeveloped preserve. Lowry Woods, located off Bayside Road in northwest Orono, is a 14 -acre Big Woods remnant of Maple -Basswood and Oak forest donated to the City by the Nature Conservancy. The two most recent additions to Orono's park system are both intended to be preserved as passive open space nature and conservation areas: "Lurton Park Property" is the former C. W. Gordon farmstead located on the southwestern shore of Lake Classen and originally established in the nineteenth century. The 39 -acre property was donated to the City by William and Susan Lurton in 2000 for use as a passive, natural environmental park. Restrictive covenants were established that limit improvements to a picnic area, hiking trails and a parking lot. Hunting and ballfields are specifically prohibited on the property. Acquisition of a portion of the property by MnDOT for right-of-way was anticipated at the time of donation; the covenants required that the proceeds of MnDOT's 8 -acre acquisition in 2004 be dedicated toward maintenance of the property. The landmark `Butterfield Barn" constructed in 1910 by Frank Butterfield, remained on the site within the MnDOT right-of-way as of 2005; it was subsequently determined that the interior and exterior changes to the barn over the decades had compromised its historical integrity, eliminating its eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. The City eventually determined it was not feasible to relocate the barn, and it was demolished by MnDOT. In 2005 Mr. Lurton graciously agreed to amend the covenants to allow a sizable portion of the MnDOT proceeds to be used toward the City's acquisition of the Big Island Veterans Camp. However, a substantial amount was retained for maintenance and improvement of the Lurton property. Upon completion of MnDOT's Highway 12 re-routing, the City will be in a position to begin making the necessary improvements to formally open the 31 - acre park for public use. The park will be named subject to prior approval of the donor. Big Island Nature Park is the newest addition to the City of Orono park system, located on 56 acres at the east end of Lake Minnetonka's Big Island. The Park is intended to serve a dual role in preservation of a unique natural setting while offering the public a variety of passive recreational opportunities. City of Orono Community Management Plan 2008-2030 Page 4E-15