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Other Environmental Learning Initiative Needs <br /> Although these platforms support a significant component of the schools programs, they axe <br /> not sufficient to fulfill the many diverse needs of a public school.The weather is not always <br /> cooperative on the scheduled days of classes, and, there is no place to keep basic equipment <br /> for experiments and observation.To that end, the teachers and the community have voiced <br /> the need to have a simple pavilion built at the wedand edge to provide for several key needs. <br /> This would include shelter from rain and the elements, a covered location with some tables <br /> that would be dry and level to support their equipment and allow them to perforxn a few <br /> � simple science tests,have easy access for students with disabilities, and to create a centtal <br /> location that would serve as a gathering point for lakefront ecosystem experiences. In <br /> response to this, the School District and a committee consisting of various professional <br /> consultants and volunteers have been working together to develop a program for the <br /> learning shelter. In addition, the Rotary Club of Orono in partnership with the Plymouth <br /> and Wayzata Rotary has come forward with the first grant monies to support the <br /> construction of such a shelter.This package conta.ins prel'unuiary plans for such a shelter and <br /> a brief description of what is envisioned. , <br /> Nature Center Shelter� <br /> The Shelter is envisioned as a simple structure of posts and lintels supporting a roof <br /> structure. To support a class of approximately 36 students, the square footage is proposed <br /> for approximately 900 square feet.An observation area is also proposed on�the water side of <br /> the shelter and projects out from the pavilion to allow students with disabiliries to be able to <br /> be outside and next to the lake ecosystem. <br /> The flooring material would initially be granite sand which can provide an ine�ensive but <br /> solid surface. If more donation monies are forthcoming in the future, the intent would be to <br /> place a solid surface to create a more level and stable floor.The natural grade of the land <br /> slopes appro�mately one foot over the width of the pavilion in the location where it is <br /> proposed. The intent would be to create a border of heavy timber or stone and backfilled <br /> with the granite sand to create the level surface. <br /> The support posts would be wood or possibly steel. The roof support structure would also <br /> be wood or metal beams and rafteYS with plywood or similar type of roof sheathing, covered <br /> by a visually unobtrusive shingle.The color of the entire structure would be painted or <br /> stained to blend with the colors of the woodland and marsh that surround it. <br /> The shelter has been purposely positioned just behind the delineated wetland boundary at <br /> the edge of the wetland ecosystem and at the base of the hill where it meets the lake riparian <br /> vegetation. The location of the shelter is therefore inconsistent with the buffer and setback <br /> requirements of the City of Orono. So, the School District is requesting a variance. The <br /> reason for this variance request is as follows: <br /> • The intent of this shelter pavilion is to allow students and teachers to be <br /> at the edge of the lake ecosystem so that observation and teaching is <br /> immediate. If the pavilion were to be set back to meet the City <br /> requirements of 70 feet,it would be completely divorced from the very <br /> systems the students are studying,and would erid up next to the service <br /> road. <br /> - RECEIVED <br /> � FEB ?4 2012 <br /> CI'PY OF QRONO <br />