04-12-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Thomas P. Palmquist 6155 Stone Q)urt Maple Plain, MN 55359 Home: (763) 479-3262 CeUulan (612) 360-3354 tpmpoliiujuisjfi'iyajicomp.aniKxoiD April 8,2004 Mr. Greg Gappa Community ^rvices Director City of Orono * ^ PO Box 66 Orono, MN 55323-0066 RE: REQUEST BY ORONO BASEBALL ASSOCIATION - EXPANDED USE OF BEDERWOOD FIELD Dear Greg: i am writing to you on behalf of the Orono Baseball Association (“OBA”) and our request for expanded use by OBA of the Bedcrwood Fields. OBA is currentl>’ limited in our use of this field to no more than tw’o (2) days per week. As requested, the Bederwood F'ield would be used up to sue (6) days per week. On Monday through Friday, the hours of use would be between 5:00 p.m. to sunset. On Saturdays, use of the field would not occur before 8:X a.m. 'Fhe period of time OBA w'ould require the use of the field would commence April 10, and the season would finish on or about JuK' 15*, essential!)', a three month season. As you know, I appeared before the Orono Park Commission and they voted 6 in favor and 1 against to allow use of the field up to six (6) days per week, as requested by OBA. I assume this recommendation has been passed along to the Qty Council. As 1 presented to the Orono Park Commission, OBA is making this request due to the limited availability of play-ing facilities, the increased number of participants and the success of our program. The ^derivocxl Field is desperately needed for additional practices and scheduling of games. 'iTie quality of the Little League experience is being constrained due to a lack of facilities which limits an adequate number of practices to develop player skill levels, and the competition of game settmgs. As you may know, OBA has contributed in excess of $325,000 of its own money for the construction of a new baseball field on Orono School District owned property, adjacent to the Lee Carlson ball fields. VX'hile this new ball field was much needed and will better serve the needs of 12 - 14 year old players, there is still a need for additional fields for younger players in the Coach/Pitch and Pitching Machine levels. The Bederwood Field is ideally suited for this level of ability. As an asi le, pursuant to an agreement with Cit)’ Staff, OBA has agreed to upgrade certain elements of the Bederwcxxl Field using OBA funds. Specifically, OBA will construct a new pitchers mound, including pitching rubber, add new bases and home plate, and place / 2