07-27-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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From: Nichole Hirsch Kuechle [mailto:nichi@myhealthybeginning.com] Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 12:24 AM To: Adam Edwards <aedwards@ci.orono.mn.us> Cc: Amy LLRC Johnson <longlakerowing@gmail.com> Subject: Thumbs up for LLRC boathouse at Summit Park I'd like to share my insights as to how LLRC is an asset to our community. Having grown up in Maple Plain, attended Orono schools K-12, and now raising my own family and running a small business in Long Lake, thriving community resources are important to me. An organization that has grown near and dear to our hearts is the Long Lake Rowing Crew. Our oldest daughter is entering her third summer of rowing with LLRC and I can't say enough about what connecting into that group has provided. Sunny has expanded her "family" and we have gained new friends, have seen new and different places on the map, and get the tremendous honor of watching her grow, push, and stretch herself under the guidance of Coach Nicholas. Providing she and other local youth and adults fitness and wellness opportunities is important for the growth and vitality of our small town. One thing I appreciate most is due to it being a club versus a district sport, Long Lake then attracts rowers from Minnetonka, Wayzata, Benilde, Blake, Breck, and beyond. The niche that LLRC has carved out is making its mark. Community members light up in conversation when they find out we are involved with this group. They are excited to hear what the rowers are up to and that we've got a space to utilize via Birches in which to congregate. The downside is that as a club we've got no space to call home or expand into. The result is inconsistencies in training, movement and time waste in hauling and storing equipment, and not a chance at bringing a real time regatta to Long Lake. To establish a home base for this group enables LLRC to provide programming that could be open to anyone in the community who wants to participate and have access to the lake. It also opens the opportunity for LLRC to stand tall and proud in its role as a community partner, wherein community service opportunities are open to all members. Our family has launched many a paddle board excursion from Summit Beach. We've taken our kids to this cleaner side of the lake for years to swim and enjoy the rope swing. It's a smaller beach that provides a more intimate sense of connection to neighbors. The only downside to this park is the unkempt nature of the area. More parking, a clean boathouse, picnic area, and well groomed/outlined beach with a dock would be a lovely and well received addition to our community. -- Nichole Hirsch Kuechle