04-12-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS. OPEN SPACES. AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETLN'G Monday. March I. 2004 7:15 o’clock p.m. ft H Council for review. While she was unfamiliar with the circumstances surrounding the history of Bederwood. Silber stated that when she joined the Park Commission, she was told that the neighborhood vehemently opposed expanded use of those fields. Chair McDermott explained that, when he joined the Park Commission, OBA was using Bederwood facilities, although Bederw'ood was donated to the City as a neighborhood park. He pointed out that in the comp plan ‘neighborhood parks’ must meet cenain entena, including the fact that organized use is limited to two nights per week. McDermott stated that he believed the l>ee Carlson facilities w'ere built with this notion in mind. Halvorson pointed out that there is a very nice baseball field at Bederwood. She indicated that when her son was young and played baseball at Bederwood, they felt it was a wonderful little league facility. Since the time that use of the facility was restricted. Ilalvorson«ii«iiBt?*'that the neighbors have made little use of the field. Icofr} i \ Silber asked how the comp plan might impact the request for additional use. Chair McDennott stated that the comp plan would have to be amended, via a public process, to change the classification of the park. Pcsek questioned what impact use of the ball park would have on neighbors, since the closest neighbors are quite a distance away from the paik itself. Chair McDermott pointed out that, originally, the neighbors felt the use of the ball field 5-6 nights a week w as excessive and left little or no time for neighbors and youths to use the fields. Palmquist indicated that the typical start time for OBA activities would be about 6 PM; therefore, allowing time after school for the pick-up games neighbors were refemng to. In addition, he indicated that the kids using the field for pick-up games would be encouraged to join the organization. He stated that OBA would like to use the facilities more than 2 nights per week, ideally 5-6 nights, noting the field would be used pnmarily for practices and youths. He maintained that few homes would be affected by the noise and pointed out that the lack of lit facilities would limit the hours of use. Palmquist upheld the fact that there is a shortage of available facilities in Orono, and pointed out that Bederwood seems to be an underutilized resource, which due to the lack of use and care, is in need of the improvements OB.A would perform. Silber asked whether OBA representatives would be willing to make their case to the City Council if the Paik Commission were to recommend the Council hold a public process. Palmquist indicated that OBA would welcome the opportunity to plead their case to Council. PAGE 2