03-02-2020 Park Commission Packet

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From:Sarah Borchers To:Adam Edwards Cc:LLRC Long Lake Rowing Subject:Letter in support of City of Orono and Long Lake Rowing Crew regarding Summit Park Date:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 6:47:32 PM Dear Orono Park Commission, I’m writing in support of a partnership between the City of Orono and the Long Lake Rowing Crew in establishing a permanent home at Summit Park on Long Lake for the LLRC. Our family is new to the LLRC, with our 15 year-old just beginning her crew exploration. However, we have enjoyed watching the LLRC members for years on Long Lake from the windows of Birch's, and I believe the City of Orono would benefit from partnering with this group of community members. Having a permanent place at Summit Park would allow for greater programming opportunities for a wider range of community members. As someone who grew up biking to and swimming at Summit Park, and who has also accidentally slipped on the hill near Birch’s where the LLRC currently sets up shop, the Summit Park location is far more accessible to folks. As our demographics in the Orono area grow older, having a wealth of opportunities for people to explore low-impact, accessible and effective exercise (while enjoying our beautiful outdoors) will only become more important. Summit Park has a special place in my heart, and I think having LLRC’s permanent home there is a good idea. Balancing the needs of the greater community and individual homeowners’ preferences is an important role of the Park Commission. Both my husband and our 15 year-old have served on the Medina Park Commission (our daughter as a junior non-voting member), and we’ve learned that there are always pros and cons to every decision. I hope that the members of the Orono Park Commission can see that in this case, the benefits to the wider community are great. Many thanks for your service to Orono, and for considering this partnership. Regards, Sarah Borchers 763-370-4647