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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br /> MEETING HELD ON MARCH 2, 1998 <br /> t#31 $.4,CF.RAt.i,AT RF'.IIF.RW(1(lil _ FRi('KC(lN _ (1RA PRA('TT('F TTMFC <br /> Rich Kiemen, president of Orono Baseball, informed the Commission that they use <br /> Bederwood Park two nights a week and request one additional night for a Monday, <br /> Tuesday, Wednesday schedule. Kiemen explained that the temporary usage would be for <br /> three years as they are raising funds to build another field. The association needs a field <br /> for the intermediate level for 13 year olds, which require 75' bases. They currently use <br /> fields at Holbrook and Maple Plain but need another one in Orono. The association is <br /> presenting information to the Independence City Council in May regarding building a field <br /> in that city. Kiemen said they feel confident that the funds can be raised as a funding <br /> source has come forward. They would like to take the younger players from Holbrook <br /> and have them play at Bederwood. The field would be used on those nights from about <br /> 5:30-8:00 p.m. Kiemen said the use would revert back to the two nights a week once the <br /> new field is built. <br /> Kiemen noted that a key is needed for entry to the dumpster to continue cleaning up the <br /> park. He also indicated that the trash bins need to be emptied more often at both Lee <br /> Carlson Field and Bederwood. Corrections have been made to the back stop and a new <br /> roof installed on the concession stand. The association is maintaining the inside of the <br /> concession stand and cleaning up the �;rounds. They post a crew schedule for such work. <br /> Wilson noted the background of the use of Bederwood Park by OBA and the contract that <br /> was established between the OBA and neighborhood limiting the use to two nights a <br /> week. <br /> Welles was informed by Kiemen that there were 650-700 participants in the program. The <br /> amount is predicted to be stable this year or slightly down due to the establishment of girls <br /> t-ball. A large group of sixth graders will increase the level of participation soon. Kiemen <br /> did not believe the intermediate level would fluctuate. This level involves 7 Orono teams <br /> and 4 Mound teams for about a total of 100 children. <br /> Van Erickson reported that Holbrook Park has a gravel limestone infield that is a universal <br /> type enabling play by different levels. <br /> Kiemen confirmed for McDermott that the OBA consists of Orono School District <br /> � children and Mound Westonka has their own league. McDermott calculated that there <br /> were about 56 13-year-olds in the Orono School District who are Orono residents that <br /> could benefit from the additional night at Bederwood. <br /> Tim Szelliga said the construction of new�-Iighway 12 would result in the loss of one <br /> season of play at Holbrook. He extended his support for another field while Holbrook <br /> was not available for use. <br /> � <br />