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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br /> Monday,March 2nd,2020 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Klaahsen asked how many trees would have to come down and whether any were currently diseased. <br /> Mr. Burrell stated the original plan had 6-8 trees coming down. After walking the park, some of the trees <br /> that would come down are either diseased or dying. The plan is to plant new trees in the park as well, <br /> more than would come out. <br /> Klaahsen asked Staff if there were any reports that could confirm there are diseased trees and if there <br /> were plans in the works to replace them. <br /> Edwards said a tree survey was done last year, and although he doesn't recall the exact numbers, a large <br /> number of the trees at Summit Beach are diseased. The City does not have a tree planting program. <br /> Carter said if the Commission was introduced to the idea that there was an interest to develop the park <br /> possibly with bathrooms,playgrounds, parking lots, and a building and launches for the boat club,the <br /> Commission would get the right parties together,have an engagement process,develop a master plan, and <br /> then stand back and take a look at it.Instead,the Commission is looking at a proposal from the boat club <br /> and saying yes or no. He thinks it is a possibility but that it will take a lot more work. <br /> Roath stated that, as a Commissioner,he is not looking to change or impact any of the current users.The <br /> Commission has talked about doing something with the park for a couple years and would like to increase <br /> the benefit to the community and better utilize the beach and park.His biggest concern is how club <br /> activities would impact other people's activities. <br /> Berg pointed out that it is a natural area; it is relaxing to go there.Most people are concerned about taking <br /> the feeling away that you are in a natural area. <br /> Ruegemer stated Bruce Dayton donated land specifically as a place for people to go to enjoy nature. She <br /> hates to see this land as an opportunity to build when his intent in donating it was opposite of that. Even if <br /> it is there, it doesn't mean that it should be developed just because the City can and somebody wants to. <br /> Berg asked if Ruegemer opposed a playground. <br /> Ruegemer indicated that a natural playground has been in their plans for a long time but that is different <br /> than a 6,000-9,000 square-foot building. <br /> Berg said the playground was pushed to the side because of other developments.Her vision has always <br /> been to create a natural playground at that park. <br /> Hudson stated because it is so early in the planning process,a lot of questions cannot be answered--what <br /> the finishes are,how it ties into nature--and it makes it hard for the Commission.A big part of <br /> conserving nature is also promoting the use and interest of nature.The more people on the lake,the more <br /> people interested in the conservation of the resource. <br /> Ruegemer said the Commission is currently transforming a road into a trail and being careful with putting <br /> a lot of environmental aspects into it such as rain water gardens and new trees,which will bring more <br /> people into the park and increased use. <br /> Page 11 of 20 <br />