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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br />Monday, November 4, 2019 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />and build off some of the main attributes that the park has that are not being utilized at this time, such as <br />the knoll which is currently covered with buckthorn. <br />Following a meeting on site, it was felt the best location for the boathouse would be nestled into the <br />hillside. The concept plan keeps the natural play area of the park intact; hides the boathouse but yet still <br />provides access to the lake in a more isolated spot; and allows the rest of the park to be used. VanLear <br />noted there has also been talk about potential trail opportunities with the City. <br />VanLear indicated they tried to show potential trail connections and how those would be situated with the <br />design of the boathouse. In addition, there was talk of a small playground facility being placed close to <br />the play area. The proposed concept plan is the rowing club's first attempt at encompassing a lot of those <br />comments and they are willing to make adjustments as they go through the process. <br />One of the key needs of the Club will be dock access to launch multiple boats ranging from a single shell <br />up to an 8 -person shell. Because of the size of those shells, the docks will need some length. Being <br />considered is the potential to maybe utilize the beach and swim area and perhaps protect it better from <br />ongoing boat activity. The dock configuration shown is just one example, but there will need to be a <br />series of docks for access needs. A secondary dock for a safety boat that goes out with the rowers is also <br />required. <br />Meyers asked what will happen to the north once the road is reclaimed. Meyers noted that lineal area will <br />run approximately three-fourths of a mile down the east shore of the lake. <br />VanLear stated when they go forward with their plans, they can look at that closer. The overall project <br />will not be built at one time but is intended to be a master plan that can be looked to going into the future. <br />The intent is to keep it a more natural park that requires low maintenance, with one of the goals being to <br />maintain the large trees. <br />For the park itself, some of the ideas include maintaining some aspect of the lawn. The floodplain area <br />would also be maintained. Being considered are just kind of passive play uses and seasonal activities. <br />There is also the potential for a hockey/skating rink in the flat area or out on the lake as well as walking <br />paths and a mountain bike path. Some of the big components are the standard recreational play area as <br />well as a natural area, which would allow the imagination of kids to work. <br />Martin displayed floor plans of the proposed boathouse. The first floor would be storage for the boats and <br />the second floor would contain an office area and conference rooms as well as a gathering space. The two <br />sketches on the right demonstrate how the building is nestled into the hillside. As someone goes up the <br />hill towards the street, the building becomes what appears to be a one-story boathouse from the road. The <br />top image shows the deck overlooking the lake on the boathouse. <br />Martin stated they are looking at something that is timeless in terms of architecture and will be long- <br />lasting. As it relates to the building mass, the top picture depicts the building from the lake and the <br />bottom image is a sketch depicting the two-story building nestled into the hillside. The small structure on <br />the right is the pavilion. <br />Martin displayed some more pictures of the building and the various areas of the park. Martin thanked <br />the Park Commission for their consideration of their concept plan. <br />Page 3 of 15 <br />