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From:Jane Davidson <br />To:Anna Carlson <br />Cc:Frank Kulacki; Mike Feldmann <br />Subject:Note to city council for Monday july 27 <br />Date:Saturday, July 25, 2020 12:47:24 PM <br />Dear Mayor Walsh and Orono City Council, <br />We would very much like to participate in the city council discussion of the plans for Summitt <br />Beach but have been advised by our doctors not to attend public meetings in person. We have <br />previously provided a letter with our view of the value of the park as a natural setting. Our <br />comments stand. <br />I add that the park is full every day and is a popular spot for paddlers, swimmers and <br />sunbathers of all ages. Our opinion is that the term "secret" park used by others refers to the <br />secluded natural setting rather than a secret place which only a few people know about. The <br />beach area is heavily used because it is generally free of boats and the quiet "bay" is an <br />excellent spot for open water distance swimmers and children (although there have been <br />instances with boats and jet skiis using the area within the buoys). . <br />Neither the plan for the boat house and its use nor the financial and liability management of <br />public/private park is well defined at this point. Thus it is difficult to provide more than <br />general comments and concerns. <br />I urge you to study the long term implications of the public/private partnership and significant <br />modification to the park associated with a boat house and heavy use by one group before <br />making a decision. In our view the proposed plan essentially grants a large part of the park to <br />a single entity and thus risks adversely impacting the value of the park to the larger <br />community far into the future. Moreover, the potential environmental impact on the wetlands <br />and Long Lake must be an important consideration to any changes in use. <br />We are very excited about the linear park and hope that you continue to consider other <br />improvements to the beach area and picnic areas consistent with the current uses of the park. <br />Sincerely, Jane Davidson and Frank Kulacki <br />1020 Old Long Lake Rd <br />Wayzata MN 55391 <br />Jane H. Davidson <br />Professor Mechanical Engineering <br />Director of the Solar Energy Laboratory <br />University of Minnesota <br />email:jhd@umn.edu