04-03-2023 Park Commission Meeting Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION April 3, 2023 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 8 of 11 A man who did not identify himself said he is not an Orono resident but was for 25 years and has been on the golf league for 40 years. He said he would gladly pay $2 more per round if that would cover the maintenance needs at the golf course. He also supported the idea of a legacy fund for the golf course, explaining he had been part of something similar in Colorado that was very successful and preserved a piece of property from development. So I know the money can be raised. And that is a great idea. Another man said he didn’t think the golf course site was a good choice for pickleball based on the topography. It doesn't meet any of the demands for putting a flat course and pickleball can be played anywhere. He suggested cooperating with Long Lake saying the dome located there could be a great pickleball location. Janie Delaney said she appreciates all the good information and asked to read a letter from a golf course neighbor who was unable to attend the meeting. William W. McGuire, 315 Wood Hill Road, wrote in part that he and his wife and now their two daughters and their husbands and children have lived in the immediate area for several decades and value many of the characteristics of Orono that distinguish it as a community. Important to this discussion, we have acted on numerous occasions to preserve and protect the natural environment and supported the continuation of larger property requirements that limit moves towards markedly increased density, and the demise of the natural environment. As a result, he said, the family owns significant acres of land and several houses. We are fortunate to be able to be in that situation and support the community through significant property tax, and other contributions and actions. We value what this community is today and are concerned that it remains what we perceive to be distinguishing and essential elements. I believe the effort to diminish the Orono Golf Course and replace part of it with pickleball courts and ice rink or other facilities is ill-conceived, short-sighted and damaging to our community for those living in the immediate area of the property and for all of the community and area residents and visitors as well. Whether Pickleball is a worthwhile endeavor is not the issue. Are we willing to push through an action that compromises an already important and long-established community asset and further to do so in the face of a strong condemnation by area residents to fulfill the reported desires of a few unnamed parties? Use of another site to pursue all or some of the under-consideration ideas may have some virtue, but I cannot attest to that at this time. I can be sure however, that alteration of the Orono Golf Course for this proposal is a bad idea and should be finally abandoned at this time. Scott Prochnow, 540 Old Crystal Bay Road, thanked the commissioners for their efforts and said he can’t imagine wanting to volunteer to do that job. I look forward to having pickleball. I object to having it at the golf course. It just doesn't make sense. The last time I spoke here, I emphasized that you need to focus on your core business. And I think it's great that you call the golf course a park, but you can't run it as a park; you've got to run it as a golf course. He said he is a former clubhouse attendant from 2018 to 2021 and suggested ways to increase the amount of play such as veterans leagues or events, youth leagues and lessons, patron cards or season passes and increasing weekday play. He noted every sport out there that is still around was the fastest growing sport at one time. I have said before, focus on your core business. You need to be competitive because people will run up to Baker or down to Three Rivers or Glen Lake. which are in much better condition. You're in a real pickle here with needing to upgrade the course. This