04-01-1996 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 1, 1996 (#3) UPDATE ON REQUEST FOR ADDITI4i�iAL SOFTBALL FIELDS FOR 1996 Ilse updated the Commission on the decision by the Council regarding the use of Bederwoad for an additional night of baseball in the upcoming season. Ilse said the Cauncil w��ld not deviate from the contract. She said Kieman, OBA representative, a�reed that Q�A did n�t wish to change the contract but asked if there was a way to accommodate the softball and baseball organizations. The option of playing at the school or at the church near Saga Hill park was discussed, as well as a third option of Hackberry if repairs were made. Gerhardson said the final repairs would be completed this year. The need to provide for residents in all the communities represented was also brought forward. McMilian said the players from�rono represent 35%, 17% from Maple Plain, down to 9% from Independence, and 3% from Minnestrista. Kelley noted the fields available and who they were used by. McMillan said there were no areas in many of the parks for baseball and could not see the City satisfying all the needs of organized sports. She reminded the Commission of the recent survey, which indicated that Orono residents favored passive parks for preservation of open space, nature walks, wildlife, etc. McDermc�tt st�ggested one of the objectives of the park plan might be to buy additional iand t� answer the growing need for play fields. Kelley said the land near CoRd 6 and Old Crystal Bay Road would be an excellent place to provide fields to relieve this added pressure. He later added that the overflow parking with the ice arena would handle the traffic. Ilse noted that the Commission had long favored this area for fields for organized sports. Flint suggested an all-purpose field. Kelley said he did not think the City should get involved. He noted that if the desire was strang, the private segment wauld come farward to meet the need. The recent efforts by the Orono Hockey Boosters for the proposed ice arena was noted. The use of Hackberry for baseball was discussed. White felt the fields at Lee Carlson were the best for this need. Kelley said Hackberry coutd be used for t-ball and soccer. Flint said it would be a mistake to provide far arbanized sports in all City parks. Ilse said she suggested to Tom Hallquist, the president of the girls' softball association, tha�t they look community wide for options. She also said the organizations should check with Community Education, who could link up with groups to help facilitate and be a vehi�le fc�r a possible lease. 3