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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br /> November 6, 2023 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> Lemons said if meetings are added the commission should commit to the schedule,not add and decide to <br /> drop later. <br /> Commissioners agreed an October work session would be needed and asked to have one added for Oct. 7, <br /> 2024 <br /> 5. 2024 PARKS DRAFT CIP <br /> Lemons said much of the CIP is driven by goals set at the beginning of the year. It includes the Hackberry <br /> Park Masterplan with a focus in 2024 on the design phase. The City has applied for a youth sports grant <br /> for the park but it is not known if the application will be successful. Construction is slated for 2025-26. <br /> Rasmussen asked about the increase in projected costs for Hackberry since the last time the commission <br /> looked at the CIP. <br /> Lemons cited changes in layout for the multi-use field plus irrigation and drainage. He said irrigation is <br /> key for sports fields. Funding could impact the timing and scope of the project. Community sports <br /> organizations may be asked to donate or apply for grants for items that are important to them. If the <br /> money is not there it may be necessary to wait a year or two,he said. <br /> Another item in the CIP is the draft proposal for pickleball at the Donation Garden site, Lemons said. <br /> There are still a lot of variables with the options being considered. <br /> The Lurton Park Parking Lot is a definite need, he said, as there is not enough parking for the dog park. <br /> They are hoping to gain 10 to 15 parking spaces which would almost double available parking. This <br /> would get more vehicles off the shoulder along Highway 12 which is dangerous,he said. The park has an <br /> endowment and also parking passes are sold. <br /> The Golf Course has become an enterprise fund so it is funding itself,Lemons said, but they are looking <br /> at purchasing two walk mowers for the greens which should eliminate wear on the greens from the riding <br /> mower. <br /> Rasmussen asked about the enterprise fund and a financial reserve for the golf course if there is a down <br /> year. She said the Parks Commission does not see the total picture of City funding for parks and would <br /> consider that an education item. <br /> 6. PARKS DEPARTMENT UPDATE <br /> Lemons said it was a great year for the Parks Department. The Golf Course is closed but had almost <br /> 16,000 rounds played in 2023, an increase of about 1,000 rounds from the previous year. Rounds have <br /> been trending up since COVID but play does not support the concern that golf courses were just doing <br /> better because of COVID. He said one factor in the increase was the junior leagues and events. Although <br /> they don't bring in as much per round, youth play is important for the future of the sport, according to <br /> Lemons. Leagues were successful. The mixed league has been maxed out in participation. In addition to <br /> the rounds,they are seeing a more diverse crowd coming into the golf course, he said. Food options are <br /> still limited but they are trying to listen to customers. Finding enough staff continues to be a problem <br /> although the employees they have are great. <br /> Page 3 of 5 <br /> 5 <br />