Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-1990 Park Commission Minutes 1 ^� 4 MINOTES OF TFIE REGDLAR ORONO PARR COMMISSION IKEETING HELD JUNE 5, 1990 ATTI3NDANCE 7:05 P.M. - The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present: Acting Chairperson Lester Ke11ey, Bruce Kokal, James Gilbert, Lee Erger, Richard Flint, Alexander Vongries and Susan Wilson. The following persons were absent: Phili� Bradley and Public Works Director Gerhardson. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Gilbert moved, Erger seconded to approve the minutes of the May 1 , 1990 Park Commission meeting. NEW PARR CO1�II�IISSION MEMBER The Commission extended its welcome to Susan Wilson. DISCUSSION OF 1980 PARR & OPEN SPACE PLAN The proposal for a bike/hike trail was identified as the most important element of the 1980 plan. The plan also projected a number of capital improvements* that were completed. The 1980 conclusion that there was no need to acquire additional land for parks and open space purposes will be reviewed by the Commission in the coming months. * Construction of a ball field and parking area at Bederwood Park; parking area and access to the Luce Line Trail at McCulley Road; relocation of playground equipment to the Navarre and Crystal Bay mini-parks. PARR FEES The Park Commission appreciates the adoption by the City Council of its recommendations for a new park fee schedule. Erger suggested that opportunities may exist in new developments for dedication of land suitable for inclusion in a bike/hike trail , although developers would probably prefer ta pay a fee. Gilbert stressed that the Park Commission should be invalved early in evaluating new developments for suitability of land dedication vs. fee �ayment. Kokal felt that these minutes would express to the City Council the Commission's desire for early involvement. COMMENTS BY ORONO RESIDSNTS Gary Connell urged development of a new park plan. Although we are a rural community, we have a need for additional park facilities, including a community field for organized sports, preferably close to the schools. F1int added that we should interact with the school board in developing facilities, and Gilbert suggested coordinating activities with our neighboring communities. 1 � -� MINIITES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARR COMMISSION MEETING HELD JUNE 5, 1990 Sherokee Ilse expressed appreciation for the Park Commission's efforts and for the new park fee schedule. She urged that the Commission follow the progress of Little League at Bederwood Park, and consider adding updated playground equipment and tennis courts. Liz Levang stated that she had a petition, signed by 10 residents, for these improvements as we11 as a picnic area. Chuck Hommeyer added his support for tennis courts at Bederwood Park. All of the residents in attendance expressed their willingness to assist the Park Cammission in its efforts. The discussion also included the following: - Questions about preparation of food at Bederwood Park by the Little League. - The 1989 mail survey which suggested that Orono residents have a low level of awareness and interest in park facilities. - The need to increase awareness of existing park faci lities to enhance their use by community members, without encouraging use by outsiders. Gilbert and Kelley expressed appreciation for the public's participation and offers to assist the Commission. PRBSENTATION BY DAHI,GREN, SHARDLOW & UBAN, INC. John Shardlow and Wallace Case provided additional information and answered questions concerning their previously submitted proposal to prepare a master plan for Orano parks. They commented that the 1980 plan lumped golf courses with parks, thus distorting the parks population ratio (rule-of-thumb is 20 acres per 1000 population). Their recommendations incuded: - An inventory of the current park system and assessment of its adequacy based on community demographics and neighborhood needs. - Identification of corridors for a bike/hike trail recognizing barriers such as highways, lakes, etc. - Projection of future park requirements so that land could be acquired as soon as possible. - Preparation of a long-range, master plan, essential to land acquisition for parks. 2 � ♦ MINLJTES OF THE REGD7�AR ORONO PARR COMMISSION MEETING HELD JUNE 5, 1990 Gilbert asked whether the consultants could limit their efforts to the bike/hike trail and what that input would cost. Case replied that it would take a number of weeks to identify major problem areas at a cost of at least $5,000 or $6,000. Shardlow said the current graphic for a trail does not assess feasibility. Flint commented that a full-scale plan is desireable but costs must be considered. He recommended that our first step should be to obtain demogra�hics of Orono's population. Kelley thanked the consultant's for their attendance. ADJOURNMENT 9:30 P.M. The regular Park Commission meeting was adjourned at 9 :30 p.m. The next meeting will be Tuesday, July 10, 1990 at 7 :00 p.m. Alexander Vongries Acting Secretary 3