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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br /> Monday,May 2,2022 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> develop a master plan that will guide the current and future Park Commissioners on what the park really <br /> is. <br /> Hans Burg, from the Orono Park Legacy(the new name for the Big Island Legacy), stated they changed <br /> the name to be more inclusive to the needs of all parks. Orono Park Legacy facilitates fundraising for new <br /> projects in Orono parks and they are a non-profit organization. Currently they have three projects on the <br /> table: a Veteran's Marker on Big Island Park,funds for fireworks and goodies during the winter <br /> celebration at the Orono Golf Course, and the construction of pickleball courts within the City of Orono. <br /> Mr.Burg noted they are also looking for more Board members, especially someone in web design. <br /> Betsy Johnson, 460 Long Lake Road E, is exactly right across the street from Summit Beach Park. What <br /> they are all here tonight and have been here for is that they want to know that this project is permanently <br /> tabled for the park.This is the only swimming beach park in Orono and they would like to keep it that <br /> way,they want to honor it and keep the park the way the Daytons wanted it. When Ms.Johnson <br /> purchased her property she was told that nothing would be built over there and it was always going to be a <br /> park. She feels that the Park Commission is not being honest. She reiterated that she wants to know that <br /> this is permanently tabled,not"it is tabled right now." <br /> Berg asked if Ms.Johnson is talking about the Long Lake Rowing Club. <br /> Ms. Johnson replied that is correct. Her house is about 7,000 square feet and the rowing club wants to <br /> build something bigger than that on the property which would devalue her own property. She said it is a <br /> great park, nothing needs to be done to it, it is fabulous in the summertime,but that building would take <br /> up the entire section where everyone hangs out. <br /> Berg clarified they are not looking at that project anymore. <br /> Chair Roath clarified the Park Commission never sought anyone or any private organization to use the <br /> park. The rowing club came to the City,not to the Park Commission, and anyone can come to the City <br /> with any proposal they want. The City cannot tell them they can't come with a proposal as that is <br /> democracy. The rowing club came, and then they removed their proposal. <br /> Ms. Johnson asked whether they need new Board members. <br /> Barbara Schmidt, 50 Landmark Drive,read a statement and cannot answer any questions due to the mayor <br /> lawsuit that is pending. She stated this is what the Orono Park Commission will be known for: ignoring <br /> thousands of constituents. Sure,they are getting marching orders from City Council,but for an advisory <br /> board only to develop a plan with an outside consultant without an RFP or public hearing is unethical and <br /> dismissive of the very public they serve. They are end-running the vast majority of Orono citizens by <br /> contracting a park plan with an outside engineering firm. 95%of Orono residents do not want their parks <br /> changed. Where is the City of Orono's data that proves otherwise? She stated a study to find out what the <br /> people really want would be a great first step. <br /> Chair Roath agrees 100%. <br /> Ms. Schmidt said the citizens have asked them to stop developing land for niche special interest and they <br /> have continued to do so not only for Summit Beach but Lowry Woods and Bederwood, as well. They are <br /> spending funds on plans the public does not want. She said there are several community groups that are <br /> Page 2 of 10 <br />