03-02-2020 Park Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 9 Travis VanLear, landscape architect, noted he met with most of the Park Commissioners approximately one month ago at their work session. He has attempted to take that feedback and apply it to the concept plan that was presented at that time. As Craig elaborated, the goal with the overall project is to have a minimal impact on the design of the park and to use the existing attributes as much as possible. They would like to minimize tree removal and utilize the existing parking as much as possible to reduce cost and build off some of the main attributes that the park has that are not being utilized at this time, such as the knoll which is currently covered with buckthorn. Following a meeting on site, it was felt the best location for the boathouse would be nestled into the hillside. The concept plan keeps the natural play area of the park intact; hides the boathouse but yet still provides access to the lake in a more isolated spot; and allows the rest of the park to be used. VanLear noted there has also been talk about potential trail opportunities with the City. VanLear indicated they tried to show potential trail connections and how those would be situated with the design of the boathouse. In addition, there was talk of a small playground facility being placed close to the play area. The proposed concept plan is the rowing club’s first attempt at encompassing a lot of those comments and they are willing to make adjustments as they go through the process. One of the key needs of the Club will be dock access to launch multiple boats ranging from a single shell up to an 8-person shell. Because of the size of those shells, the docks will need some length. Being considered is the potential to maybe utilize the beach and swim area and perhaps protect it better from ongoing boat activity. The dock configuration shown is just one example, but there will need to be a series of docks for access needs. A secondary dock for a safety boat that goes out with the rowers is also required. Meyers asked what will happen to the north once the road is reclaimed. Meyers noted that lineal area will run approximately three-fourths of a mile down the east shore of the lake. VanLear stated when they go forward with their plans, they can look at that closer. The overall project will not be built at one time but is intended to be a master plan that can be looked to going into the future. The intent is to keep it a more natural park that requires low maintenance, with one of the goals being to maintain the large trees. For the park itself, some of the ideas include maintaining some aspect of the lawn. The floodplain area would also be maintained. Being considered are just kind of passive play uses and seasonal activities. There is also the potential for a hockey/skating rink in the flat area or out on the lake as well as walking paths and a mountain bike path. Some of the big components are the standard recreational play area as well as a natural area, which would allow the imagination of kids to work. Martin displayed floor plans of the proposed boathouse. The first floor would be storage for the boats and the second floor would contain an office area and conference rooms as well as a gathering space. The two sketches on the right demonstrate how the building is nestled into the hillside. As someone goes up the hill towards the street, the building becomes what appears to be a one-story boathouse from the road. The top image shows the deck overlooking the lake on the boathouse. Martin stated they are looking at something that is timeless in terms of architecture and will be long- lasting. As it relates to the building mass, the top picture depicts the building from the lake and the