Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br /> MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 2, �1995 <br /> (#5 - Park Planning on Dickey Property - Continued) <br /> McDermott said the DNR said they had no interest in a small piat of land. McDermott <br /> said it was debatable whether the land was native prairie or oak savannah. McMillan said <br /> she had been informed that there was very little native prairieland in Orono. The views <br /> were said to be non-existent from the property as with the building of the new residences, <br /> a person will be looking into the second stories of the homes. <br /> At this point, the park is in the design phase. The upper portion of the parcel will be for <br /> parking. It is yet to be determined whether the parking area will allow a bus to enter. <br /> McMillan said Flint asked that the park be classified for its usage. McDermott said the <br /> property is too small for a nature area and there is no where for a trail to lead. Hurr asked <br /> that direction be received from the Council regarding the park's usage. Hurr said she, as <br /> well as Jabbour and Kelley, did not want the parking to exceed 2-3 cars and not to have <br /> any bus access. McDermott said there was no shoulder for any vehicle to stop. Hurr <br /> suggested the interpretation be of the settling of the area by use of pictures and short <br /> descriptions. Hurr did not wish the area to be used for events and large groups. <br /> Discussion was had by the Park Commission on park activities and usage and the need for <br /> the commissioners to define clear goals and rules for usage of the City parks. This <br /> particular park was said to be difficult to interpret as the history is not well documented. <br /> A couple ideas for the interpretation area was the geographicallocation of Lake <br /> Minnetonka in past history as well as the usage of the land by Native Americans. Hurr <br /> also noted that the property was the site of the Heffelfinger family at one time. <br /> McMillan inquired about costs for the park bringing up issues of future maintenance and <br /> management of the open space. McDermott said he saw maintenance as being very <br /> minimal with more of a natural setting. <br /> McDermott inquired if a sign should be placed on the property now informing the public <br /> that it is park land. Hurr felt that it was important to look at the safety of the area first. <br /> She also suggested speaking with the developer regarding the park land and the internal <br /> trails. The trails were supposed to have been stipulated on the plat for the development. <br /> Ilse said she will continue with research. A design plan will be formulated over the winter <br /> months. It was noted that Brian Butterfield will assist with the landscaping for the park. <br /> =t <br />