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3 <br /> <br />Project Summary <br /> <br />City of Orono is committed to the next phase of building a much-needed youth sports facility and play <br />area at Bederwood Park. In addition to the existing baseball diamond and playground area, this project <br />adds two sports fields, a batting cage, and various enhancements to spectator and athlete <br />accommodations. The project includes a parking lot expansion to enable additional park utilization. <br />Expanding the parking lot to a capacity of 63 spots also supports additional access to the adjacent Luce <br />Line State Trail. <br />The park is centrally located in Orono and is easily accessible by most residents via County Road 84 and <br />Watertown Road. It is currently used by the Orono Baseball Association as a practice and game facility <br />for younger aged athletes. The baseball diamond was built in 1975 in partnership with the Orono <br />Baseball Association and the Orono Lion’s Club and is in excellent condition. The park’s playground <br />area was upgraded in 2013 with support of a $7,500 grant from the Hennepin County Youth Sports <br />Program. Considering its location and few other neighborhood playgrounds nearby, Bederwood is a <br />favorite for many residents with small children. The park also includes large open grassy areas <br />maintained by the City of Orono. <br />With its proximity and large acreage, residents and other stakeholders hope Bederwood Park can provide <br />a solution to a shortage of sports fields in the Orono area. Expanding population, increased participation <br />in youth sports, and growing youth sports organizations all contribute to an increased demand on our <br />community sports fields. Meanwhile, the availability of local sports fields is tightening, resulting in a <br />challenge for our youth sports organizations. Orono Baseball Association, Orono Westonka Soccer Club, <br />Orono Youth Football, and Orono Youth Lacrosse are all expressing to the City of Orono a need for <br />additional sports facilities. <br />Bederwood Park is an ideal solution, however simply adding two sports fields will not solve the problem <br />alone. We need to also address deficiencies that are currently constraining the use of the park for <br />organized sports. First is the parking capacity. The existing parking lot has a limited capacity and is <br />currently limiting the use of the baseball field, let alone the use of multiple fields concurrently. Next, the <br />well needs to be restored to operation. This provides both irrigation to the fields and drinking water for <br />athletes and spectators. In addition, proposed grading will improve drainage issues on the baseball <br />diamond. Lastly, an ADA compliant walking trail, benches/tables, shade sails, and trees will make the <br />park facilities more accessible and comfortable for the community. Adding fields while addressing these <br />existing deficiencies should unlock the potential of Bederwood as a youth multi-sport destination. <br />