11-05-2018 Park Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, September 4, 2018 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 6 The Park Commission took no formal action on this item. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS 4. AUGUST WORK SESSION SITE VISIT TO BIG ISLAND SUMMARY – RICK CARTER/RICK MEYERS Carter reported a number of members of the Park Commission recently toured Big Island. The visitor center looks good since the exterior has been painted and the interior cleaned up. Commissioner Johnson will be assisting with drafting some language for the historical and interpretive signs to be located inside the visitor center. Meyers noted they also looked at the fish house, which could use some repairs. Carter stated the master plan contemplates moving it to one of the concrete pads. Meyers stated he has heard that the City is possibly getting some funds for an archeological project. Carter stated to his understanding that is true. Council Member Seals reported the City received a grant for $9,995 to conduct an archeological survey on Big Island. The City has already reached out to the Maritime association to be placed on their schedule for either this fall or next spring. Seals commented this is just another great example of all the resources that are available. Carter stated he was out at the Island this weekend and that the trails were nicely mowed and weed whipped. Carter commented he has noticed more people are using the park and that a lot of the traffic comes from the beach. Meyers noted the Commons in Excelsior are going to be undergoing renovations and that perhaps they could be asked to have some type of service going back and forth from the Commons to Big Island so people who do not have access of a boat could utilize it. Edwards reported he and the city’s landscape architect met with Three Rivers recently regarding the Big Island Legacy Fund. While Three Rivers was not interested in contributing to the Legacy Fund, they will be contributing funding towards the East Long Lake trail project. In addition, Staff is looking at applying for a DNR grant for Big Island which could be used to help develop the trails. That grant application is due in March. 5. BEDERWOOD PARK PLANNING AND GRANT UPDATE – NATALIE WILLIAMS Williams reported she and Brian Roath have been meeting with the various potential partners over the past six weeks to get their input on what other needs there may be for Bederwood as well as possible financial assistance they might be able to provide. The grant application is due November 5. Meyers recommended a letter of approval be obtained from each partner to include with the grant application.