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From: Zoner,Eric <br /> To: Adam Edwards • <br /> Cc: Diann Zoner;loner.Eric <br /> Subject: Long Lake Rowing Crew Support <br /> Date: Thursday,February 27,2020 9:19:29 AM <br /> Dear Orono Parks Commission, <br /> We are Eric and Diann Zoner, Orono residents for 16 years. We were first introduced to rowing on <br /> Long Lake in 2013 when our high school sophomore daughter, Olivia,joined the club to learn how to <br /> row. At that time there were fewer than twenty club members. Today there are more than ninety- <br /> five junior 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 natwal camaraderie of its members, parents and coaches. To this <br /> day, we are still in awe at how a group of such humble beginnings has grown into a such a respected <br /> club and internationally recognized team. <br /> From the very beginning,this club had the vision and passion to build, not only a team, but a brand <br /> and a respected presence in the community. A boathouse has long been the anchor of this dream. <br /> In 2014 Orono and Long Lake neighbors saw an abandoned, neglected building with a pot-holed <br /> parking lot. But LLRC saw a place to call home, and their pride drove them to improve the property <br /> to let the community know they were serious. When the question of the team's impact on the <br /> community is raised,we recall the overwhelming response we received when it came time to • <br /> reclaim the property and cleanup the site and lakeshore. At times we had over fifty volunteers ankle <br /> deep in mud and filling dumpsters. All this from a juniors team that had grown to twenty-five <br /> 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 cf the life-long sport of rowing. This <br /> boathouse would not only provide a home for LLRC, it would provide a place for community <br /> education and the promotion of health and fitness. It will provide a place where the community can <br /> gather to 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 <br /> and lake. A boathouse in Summit Park would be a great way to add to the charm of Orono, <br /> showcase Long Lake and bring attention to an under-utilized natural gem. It will also serve as a <br /> gathering place for years to come where friendships, memories and a sense of community will <br /> continue to be built. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Eric and Diann Zoner <br /> 1050 Cox Farm Road <br /> Orono, MN 55356 <br />