Laserfiche WebLink
From:Tom Bergstrom <br />To:Denny Walsh; Aaron H. Printup; Victoria Seals; Richard Crosby; Matt Johnson; Anna Carlson; Dustin Rief <br />Subject:Long Lake Rowing Club/Boat House <br />Date:Monday, July 27, 2020 1:44:51 AM <br />Long Lake isn’t a surfing lake. It isn’t a rowing lake. It isn’t a tubing lake. It isn’t a fishing lake. It isn’t a <br />swimming lake. It isn’t a sailboat lake. It is all of those combined and more. It’s a multi-purpose lake <br />that anyone can use at their leisure within the state guidelines, laws and regulations. If you put up a <br />6,000-9,000 square foot private rowing club building you have just turned Long Lake into a rowing <br />lake. <br /> <br />I am writing this letter in opposition to the proposed plans that call for building a private row club <br />facility at the Summit Park on Long Lake. <br /> <br />I have been a homeowner since 2016 on the North side of Long Lake in Orono. I take my 3 children <br />weekly to both of the parks on Long Lake frequently throughout the summer. We particularly enjoy <br />Summit Park due to its natural and relaxing atmosphere. <br /> <br />I am not writing to argue against the numerous benefits for a rowing as a sport, hobby or club. I <br />hope someday that my children will have interest in joining the row club as it would be great to see <br />them rowing across the water. <br /> <br />I do however oppose building because it turns a public space, that was donated to be public, to <br />benefit a such a small number of people (currently around 90) as in doing so it is a great disservice to <br />the general public. Public spaces are well, for the public. Had the Dayton family wanted these assets <br />going to private groups or clubs they would have in fact done that. They didn’t. Instead they put <br />their trust into the city to take care of the lands to ensure the best use for the public. That trust is <br />with each of you now. <br /> <br />Removing trees. 7,000+ square foot building. Larger parking lot. Smaller green space. None of those <br />enhance a park but in fact do the opposite. <br /> <br />Please keep our lovely little park just indeed that. <br /> <br />Tom Bergstrom <br />1509 Long Lake Blvd <br />Orono, MN 55356 <br />