Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br /> Monday, March 2nd, 2020 <br />6:00 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Page 7 of 14 <br /> <br />Carter asked what they would do if they were not able to use Summit Beach Park. <br /> <br />Mr. Burrell said he did not know at this point. They would have to continue to row out of Birch’s and <br />explore other opportunities. They do not have solid Plan B’s at this point. He reminded everyone it is a <br />volunteer club; they all work jobs and it is off-hours for them, so they o nly have so many hours to explore <br />other options. This option presented itself, so this is the path they are going down right now. <br /> <br />Carter asked if they would be interested in Summit Park if there wasn't a building. <br /> <br />Mr. Burrell said that at this point he did not see why they would move if there was not a building. <br /> <br />Ruegemer noted kids are not just at the beach, it is a park and they are everywhere in the park. She <br />expressed concern about safety for others at the park when they walk their boats to and from the dock. <br /> <br />Mr. Burrell said there are people around the fire pit, throwing bags, and other stuff at Birch’s when they <br />launch. They are very careful about telling people that they are coming and to watch out for them. If <br />people are out on the dock, they res pectfully ask them to move. They do not get too crazy if people want <br />to be on their dock. They are used to activity around them while getting off and on the water because they <br />deal with it on a weekly basis. It’s basically all hands on deck in terms of keeping people safe. <br /> <br />Berg asked if there are any thoughts on increasing hours if they get the building. <br /> <br />Mr. Burrell said there are no plans to increase hours on the lake. The growth could come in the off-season <br />by getting more people involved in winter training on rowing machines. Another potential growth area <br />would be offering more community education classes during the week in the summer just to give people a <br />taste of it. Just like any other club, they lose and gain members continually. <br /> <br />Berg asked if the new trail would impact parking. <br /> <br />Mr. Burrell stated he did not think so. He was told that it might use potentially five spots. <br /> <br />Stephens asked what the project cost would be. <br /> <br />Mr. Burrell stated it is a bit of a moving target. When they talked about reducing square footage, they also <br />talked about using materials that may be more cost -efficient. They want to make the structure look nice <br />but be functional and cost -effective. They have the potential to get donated/discounted goods from <br />different companies because they are a non-profit. He estimated it could be near the million- dollar range. <br /> <br />Hudson asked if the organization could possibly leave the community if the proposal did not move <br />forward. <br /> <br />Mr. Burrell said he cannot say it’s not possible; it could happen. It would not be their desire to have that <br />happen and they would look to any solution possible to stay. They would have to entertain other ideas and <br />opportunities if necessary, but they love it here and they think of themselves as part of the community. <br />Roath asked if the footprint of the building was to scale. <br /> <br />Mr. Burrell indicated he believed so. <br />