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Minutes <br />Park Commission Regular Meeting <br />Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 6:00 PM <br />City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 <br />Commissioners liked natural features and trees and advocated for more conservative grading. Survey <br />comments supported retaining the sledding hill and mentioned missing having an ice-skating rink. <br />Commissioners were concerned about rushing the design. It was noted that the park is not a sports <br />complex, but a neighborhood park that supports youth sports activities for younger kids. The consensus <br />was to make the planned workshop meeting in September a special meeting so the neighbors and <br />interested residents could be invited to attend for additional input, as the August 5 meeting conflicted with <br />Night to Unite festivities. <br />4. Antoine Park Update <br />Ruthenberg reported that the Antoine Park plan is in the early stages, and a community open house was <br />planned for August 20. There will also be a survey conducted. <br />5. Additional Park Commission Work Session <br />Staff had proposed a work session on guiding documents planning for Tuesday, September 9. <br />Commissioners also wished to have a special meeting with public input on Hackberry Park <br />Reynolds moved, Selseth seconded, to have a Parks Commission work session at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, <br />September 9, followed by a regular meeting on Hackberry Park at 6 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. <br />6. Tree Lighting <br />Ruthenberg reported that the holiday tree lighting is planned again this year, but requires soliciting <br />donations, and City staff cannot do that. He recommended forming an additional Parks subcommittee to <br />help with tree lighting planning and fundraising. Commissioners said it may be time to review the format <br />and location of the tree lighting and questioned the appropriateness of fireworks at the holidays. Several <br />individuals expressed interest in a subcommittee. <br />CHAIR REPORT <br />Chair Roath gave a report. <br />COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS <br />Commissioners reported on subcommittee activities. <br />ADJOURNMENT <br />Huddy moved, Reynolds seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 p.m. to September 9, 2025. <br />VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. <br />ATTEST: <br />Brian Roath, Chair <br />Page 2 of 2 <br />4 <br />