07-27-2010 Council Work Session Packet

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