01-02-1996 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORON� PARK C�MMISSION MEETING HELD ON JAN UARY 2, 1996 (#2 - Orono Softball - Continued} Wilson questioned Hallquist about the fields being currently used by the association. Hallquist said 4 fields are used in Maple Plain, 4 at the high school, 2 at the middle school, with the grassed area at the schools used for the younger players. There are 9 major fields used and 2 fields for the younger children. The smaller fields are used for the younger children but the 12+ age children need usage of the major size fields. Hallquist said there is a need for 12 major-size fields. He informed Wilson that the fields are open to usage by the girls, but the girls play on softball teams only. Ilse inquired if the fields at Rainbow are used by the association. Hallquist said a meeting is scheduled with the Rainbow people on January 16. The 2 Rainbow fields are considered small fields and are used by 10 and under age teams. Ilse was informed that the Medina Morningside Field is used for t-ball only. Wiison asked about the number of girls in saft�aiL Hallquist said there are 6 teams of 13- 14 year old giris, 4 teams of 14-under with 3 teams consisting of 15-under girls and 1 at 13 girls. The 16 and 18 year old girls each have one team. Hallquist said there is a drop off in registration beginning with the 16-under age girls due to the competitiveness of fast- pitch softball. The association, according to Hallquist, is considering adding a slow-pitch program as this is a lifetime type of softball that is played giving incentive to those girls in the i6-under ai�d 18-under levels to continue active in team sports. I:lse c�uestioned whether the association has approached Long Lake for use of ball fields. Hallquist said he thought that could be an option. Ilse asked for clarification on field use before and after the opening of the QBA fields last year on CoRd 6 and Old Crystal Bay Road. She said it was her understanding that the assaciation used Holbrook two nignts for 4BA and 3 or 4 nights at Bederwood before the new fields were open. Then after the new fields were being used, 2 nights were used at Bederwood and the association had cut back or dropped out of using the fields at Holbrook. Hallquist said he was unsure af the Bederwood use but that Holbrook was used for softball through the July season and was paid for 3-night usage through the season. Howells asked i#'there were any other fields for usage in Maple Plain. Hallquist said there were 4 fields and noted that the high school field could be used. The fifth field was used by an adult league, but possibly could be used for a tournament. Flint asked what the understanding was currently for league usage at Bederwood. Gerhardson said the City has approved OBA usage for two nights a week. 2