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DRAFT Orono Website Page - July, 2010 - Big Island Park <br /> City Council Adopts Big Island Park Rules <br /> Big Island Nature Park <br /> As the newest gem in Orono's public park system, Big Island Nature Park encompasses <br /> approximately 56 acres of land and wetland located at the easterly end of Lake <br /> Minnetonka's Big Island. The Park property was formerly the site of the Big Island <br /> Veterans Camp, which operated for many decades as a summer recreation area <br /> serving veterans and their families. When the Veterans Camp Board of Governors <br /> determined in 2004 that the property should be sold, the City put substantial effort into <br /> discussions with existing and potential stakeholders, and concluded that permanent <br /> public ownership of this exceptional property was of paramount importance. Private <br /> ownership would have resulted in subdivision of the property into as many as 6-8 <br /> individual lots and eventual development of private seasonal homes. <br /> A financial package was put together to meet the $5.85 million price tag of the Camp, <br /> including $1.4 million in available City park funds, $1.6 million in Orono HRA Public <br /> Project Revenue Bonds, and a $2 million grant from the State of Minnesota. In early <br /> 2005 MCWD agreed to partner with the City by contributing the remaining $850,000 in <br /> exchange for a Conservation Easement over a major portion of the property. Purchase <br /> of the property was completed in January 2006. <br /> On June 28, 2010 the Orono City Council adopted an Ordinance establishing rules and <br /> regulations for Big Island Nature Park. <br /> New Regulations Reflect Existing Park Rules and Conservation Easement <br /> Limitations <br /> Many of the newly codified Park rules are identical to those affecting all Orono parks, <br /> and have been in effect since the property was acquired by the City, such as hours the <br /> park is open; prohibitions on alcohol, fires, fireworks, overnight camping, and motor <br /> vehicles (including ATVs and snowmobiles); and requirements to keep dogs and cats <br /> leashed. Additional rules have been adopted specifically for Big Island Nature Park <br /> based on its unique character as a passive recreation/nature area and in line with the <br /> provisions of the Conservation Easement that encompasses 80% of the Park property. <br /> These rules are intended to protect the natural and cultural resources within the <br /> property to ensure they remain available for all to enjoy. <br /> Big Island Nature Park Regulations <br /> (Codified as Municipal Code Chapter 22, Article IV) <br /> ARTICLE IV. SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR BIG ISLAND NATURE PARK <br /> Sec. 22-102. Purpose <br /> Through mutual collaboration between the City of Orono and the Minnehaha Creek <br /> Watershed District, Big Island Nature Park is intended to be preserved, maintained and <br /> --------- --____ Page 1 <br />