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Zoner <br /> • <br /> From:Zoner, Eric[mailto:Eric.Zoner@graphicpkg.com] <br /> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:19 AM <br /> To:Adam Edwards <aedwards@ci.orono.mn.us> <br /> Cc: Diann Zoner<diann.zoner@gmail.com>;Zoner, Eric<Eric.Zoner@graphicpkg.com> <br /> Subject: Long Lake Rowing Crew Support <br /> Dear Orono Parks Commission, <br /> We are Eric and Diann Zoner, Orono residents for 16 years. We were first introduced to rowing on Long <br /> Lake in 2013 when our high school sophomore daughter, Olivia,joined the club to learn how to row. At <br /> that time there were fewer than twenty club members. Today there are more than ninety-five junior <br /> and master rowers. <br /> Our daughter was instantly hooked on the sport, and we were quickly drawn in by the playful <br /> personality of the team and the natural camaraderie of its members, parents and coaches. To this day, <br /> we are still in awe at how a group of such humble beginnings has grown into a such a respected club and <br /> internationally recognized team. <br /> From the very beginning,this club had the vision and passion to build, not only a team, but a brand and <br /> a respected presence in the community. A boathouse has long been the anchor of this dream. In <br /> 2014 Orono and Long Lake neighbors saw an abandoned, neglected building with a pot-holed parking <br /> lot. But LLRC saw a place to call home, and their pride drove them to improve the property to let the <br /> community know they were serious. When the question of the team's impact on the community is <br /> raised,we recall the overwhelming response we received when it came time to reclaim the property and <br /> cleanup the site and lakeshore. At times we had over fifty volunteers ankle deep in mud and filling <br /> dumpsters. All this from a juniors team that had grown to twenty-five members. <br /> If this group felt such pride in an abandoned lot,just think of the pride and level of commitment they <br /> will have for a more permanent structure built for the purpose of the life-long sport of rowing. This <br /> boathouse would not only provide a home for LLRC, it would provide a place for community education <br /> and the promotion of health and fitness. It will provide a place where the community can gather to <br /> learn, play and enjoy our beautiful lake. <br /> In closing, over the life of the club, LLRC has been an exceptional neighbor and steward of the shore and <br /> lake. A boathouse in Summit Park would be a great way to add to the charm of Orono, showcase Long <br /> Lake and bring attention to an under-utilized natural gem. It will also serve as a gathering place for <br /> years to come where friendships, memories and a sense of community will continue to be built. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Eric and Diann Zoner <br /> 1050 Cox Farm Road <br /> Orono, MN 55356 <br /> (952)473-0072 <br /> • <br />