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