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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br /> Monday,August 1,2022 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Rasmussen stated if they find that Casco Point is not viable to put in 3-4 courts, she would recommend <br /> they immediately shift over to the Orono Golf Course for 2023. She asked the Commissioners for their <br /> feedback on one location over the other for 2023. <br /> Duval,Berg, and Stofer agreed that the golf course would be preferable <br /> Rasmussen asked to clarify whether extending the boundaries at Navarre is possible to make it a usable <br /> court. <br /> Chair Roath noted it is a multi-sport court which does get used,just not for pickleball. <br /> Edwards replied it is not in the plans. <br /> Stofer asked if four courts is the right number. <br /> Rasmussen replied eight is better but they wanted to be conservative in assuring that it went forth. She <br /> noted when one has 6-8 courts it will draw people from other communities and it will be a destination. <br /> Chair Roath clarified the process noting the sub-committee will get together and come up with the <br /> proposal to bring to the Park Commission. He spoke about fundraising and stated they will consult with <br /> the Orono Parks Legacy group to see what they think is viable for fundraising. <br /> Rasmussen will also be approaching organizations for a public/private partnership. <br /> Caroline Melberg, 1290 Lyman Avenue,thanked the Commissioners and thinks the golf course makes a <br /> lot of sense for all the reasons stated and there is a huge opportunity for fundraising there and to generate <br /> revenue from pickleball. Revenue opportunities include equipment,gear,tournaments, and things to fund <br /> ongoing maintenance. <br /> Jay Nygard, 1386 Rest Point Road, is not a golfer but cannot imagine golfers would want that going on <br /> around them because golf is a quiet game. <br /> Mike Miller, 1987 Fagerness Point Road, has been playing pickleball for two years and has made a great <br /> group of friends.The golf course opportunity is a great idea and may get some pickleballers who did not <br /> even know there was a golf course there,they buy refreshments, and he would also pursue the Casco <br /> Circle area as that is very underused. He asked the Commissioners to remember to include a shelter of <br /> some sort(like Long Lake has)with picnic tables for resting on very hot days. <br /> Edwards stated if the intent of the Commission is to start seriously looking at the golf course,he would <br /> recommend a motion to ask Staff to go to the City Council and ask for a feasibility study. This way they <br /> can do some community outreach, get some real numbers on cost, and drive potential fundraising and <br /> grants. Because it is August now if this isn't done now,there is no way it can be done in 2023. <br /> The Commissioners discussed the feasibility study,numbers, and whether to look at Casco Point,the golf <br /> course, or both for a feasibility study. <br /> Page 5of6 <br />