Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PARD COMMISSION <br />Tuesday, September 7, 2021 <br />6:00 o'clock p.m. <br />Chair Roath noted they have two big events coming up at the parks. On November 17, 2021 they will <br />have golfer appreciation day with live music, food, and family -friendly events. The Orono Tree Lighting <br />is also coming up and Chair Roath asked if they can schedule a planning meeting. <br />Berg said so far all of the people from last year are still available; she will be talking to Otten Brothers <br />next week about their participation. <br />Carter updated on Big Island and noted it is open to the public, all the work should be done by the <br />September 23, 2021 ribbon -cutting ceremony and it looks amazing. Carter shared they are also done at <br />Bederwood and the effort at Lowry will be to find a safe and legitimate public access from the Luce Line <br />Trail into the park. He noted the connector to the Dakota Trail is open. <br />Chair Roath updated regarding the golf course and the 100 -year anniversary in 2024. He said they will <br />budget to make some improvements in 2022. <br />Hudson met earlier in the week with the Orono Baseball Association director to discuss some potential <br />uses and planning at Hackberry Park. Next, they will reach out to softball regarding what fields they are <br />able to use. Hudson said at Crystal Bay Park they have identified quite a few key stakeholders including <br />Three Rivers Park District who manages the Dakota Trail, Creative Kids Academy, USPS, and they will <br />meet at the park on September 14 to do a walkthrough and discuss a greater plan. <br />The Commissioners worked through park assignments. <br />Berg wishes they can find a way to clean the beaches as there is a lot of stuff at Casco and Lydiard as <br />both are at the south side of the lake with the north wind. <br />Edwards said they have a contractor in June, July, and August that does weed removal, and once a week <br />seasonal employees go down to the beaches and clean the seaweed on the shore. <br />STAFF REPORTS <br />a. Casco Point Ice Rink Improvements and Partnership Opportunity <br />Edwards said at the last work session the Cormnission was approached by the Orono Youth Hockey <br />Association about potential partnership opportunities. In the short-term they looked at the Casco Ice Rink <br />with the City providing lighting, the club providing boards and goals, and both partnering on ice sheet <br />maintenance. In the long-term they looked at Park Master Plan inclusion on Hackber7y and/or Crystal <br />Bay. <br />Jon Schwingler of the Orono Youth Hockey Association said other cornrnunities have done some <br />public/private partnerships on ice rinks. It would be nice to have some local ice for the kids to go out and <br />practice. <br />Hudson noted they had discussed the use of a construction trailer for a warming house and asked if that <br />will still happen. <br />Mr. Schwingler said it would be nice to have something and they are still looking into a portable option. <br />Chair Roath asked if they would look to the City to pay for the rental of a warming house. <br />Page 4 of 6 <br />