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1 <br />From:SANDRA McCarthy <sandraMN@msn.com> <br />Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 2:32 PM <br />To:Adam Edwards <br />Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com <br />Subject:Attention: Orono Parks Commission. Support for Long Lake Rowing Crew <br />Dear Orono Parks Commission, <br />I am writing in support of Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC) and their desire to have a <br />permanent home with access to Long Lake. Rowing is a sport that can be learned <br />and enjoyed by people of almost any age and creates a beneficial social component <br />that connects people to their local community. <br />As a non-profit, LLRC strives to be an inclusive club that promotes wellness, self <br />esteem, camaraderie, and community involvement. Long Lake Rowing Crew has <br />had an impressive competitive history in it’s short time, yet it welcomes rowers of <br />every caliber--those who simply want to soak up the beautiful environment, all the <br />way to those who have represented the United States on the national rowing team. <br />For the junior rowers, LLRC has created the opportunity for local athletes to <br />participate and learn from being part of a team. For many, it has been the pathway <br />for them to attend universities they otherwise may not have been able to <br />attend. For those already in a college program, rowing on Long Lake has been <br />essential during the off-season to allow them to continue to excel and maintain <br />their scholarships. For adults, LLRC presents the wonderful opportunity for <br />experienced rowers to continue their love of the sport through competition or just <br />for fun and fitness. For adults new to the sport of rowing, LLRC offers the chance to <br />learn something new and according to most adults in the program, “Something <br />they always wanted to try but didn’t have access to.” <br />The current situation of storing equipment outdoors, is not secure and drastically <br />shortens the lifespan of expensive equipment. This also deters private boat owners, <br />who would be valuable members to LLRC, from wanting to join and contribute to <br />the community. The lack of a boathouse also doesn’t support the social component <br />that so many people desire about team sports. A permanent home for LLRC will