01-03-2017 Park Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, November 7, 2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Meyers suggested including Highwood Park in there as well. Edwards noted under Item No. 3 Bederwood, Saga Hills, and Highwood are listed as the priority parks for 2017. Ruegemer indicated she had nothing to add to the list. Lindahl asked if there is anything in particular at Bederwood that would be done. Bryce Johnson stated nothing major is currently planned for Bederwood but that it is one of Orono's more pleasant parks. Johnson stated the park may benefit from a nicer approach to the trails, such as a more interesting entrance, as well as a trail leading to the playground, some plantings, and improvements to the parking lot. Meyers noted the DNR owns a portion of the parking lot and that the Park Commission also discussed cutting down some trees. Bryce Johnson stated there is already a large boulder there with a nice brass plate describing the history of the park, and that the Park Commission should look at whether a sign is desired at this park. Johnson stated some small improvements to spruce up the park would be nice. Levang noted there are two entrances to the trail and that there is an entrance from Stubbs Bay as well as from the western side. Levang stated most people choose to go either east or west. Meyers stated they are talking about the entry off the parking lot. Levang stated when people park their cars, they either go east or west into the park. Levang stated if an improvement is going to be done, she would suggest improving the west entrance. Meyers asked if she is talking about the connection to the Luce Line Trail. Levang indicated she is. Levang stated both sides feed into Bederwood from the Luce Line, and as long as the DNR will be involved, they should have a conversation about both. Levang stated there is currently a cow fence on the east side that closes off that trail during the winter, which results in people having to walk around the fence to gain access to the trail. Levang stated the fence is primarily there to prevent snowmobilers from the easterly side and that not many people walk the western trail since the snowmobilers will use that trail instead. Levang stated it is important to think about the historical use of the park when planning any improvements. Meyers stated there is also a small dock there and that they should probably include access to that as well. Meyers suggested the committee look at the whole park. Levang stated the dock is stored at the entrance to the west in the winter. Edwards stated the action item for tonight was to confirm officially the Commission's focus parks for 2017 and then over the winter create a list of possible improvements. Page 2 of 13