HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-06-2024 Park Commission MinutesMinutes
Park Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Chair Roath called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
The Orono Park Commission members present: Chair Brian Roath, Commissioners Janice Berg, Rick
Carter, Gordy Stofer, Kjersti Duval, Michael Huddy and Cameron Porter.
Staff present: Park Director Josh Lemons
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Stofer moved, Duval seconded, to approve the agenda for the Park Commission meeting as
submitted. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. November 6, 2023 Park Commission meeting minutes
Berg moved, Duval seconded, to approve the minutes of the November 6, 2023 Park Commission
meeting as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Janie Delaney, 1315 Woodhill Ave., reviewed the history of the pickleball issue since last spring and said
she believes it is too soon to refer the matter to the City Council as the public has not had an opportunity
to see the final concept. She said the ninth court covers the entrance to the community garden.
Keith Randklev, 6680 West County Rd. 110, Minnetrista, advocated for the pickleball courts and said he
thought it was a good site and solution. He said everyone he has spoken to who is involved with
pickleball is sensitive to the needs of the community garden. He added the courts where he plays in the
surrounding area are always busy with people waiting and that youth and families ae also getting more
and more involved.
STAFF REPORT
2. Pickleball Masterplan
Staff gave an update on the history and status of the pickleball proposal and recommended it was time to
move it from the Park Commission level to allow additional input. Staff asked the Park Commission to
make a recommendation to adopt the Pickleball Master Plan. Staff said the chosen location behind the fire
station does not displace any other activities and is far enough away from residential areas. The plan calls
for nine courts and parking with minimal or no disturbance to the donation garden. The next step would
be the design phase with additional opportunity for input. Construction timeline would depend on
donations and fundraising.
Chair Roath reported for the pickleball subcommittee on the master plan proposal. Commissioners urged
that during the design phase the donation garden still needs to have a seat at the table.
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Minutes
Park Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Duval reminded everyone of the Orono Parks Legacy organization which does things like support the
Tree Lighting.
Commissioners asked about tree management. Staff said a grant had been received and the City will be
developing a tree management plan.
Stofer mentioned that Hackberry Park and Sutninit are still on the plans but will not happen this year. The
City applied for a grant for Hackberry but it was not received, which will delay that project.
ADJOURNMENT
Roath moved, Duval seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m. to May 7, 2024. VOTE: Ayes 7,
Nays 0.
ATTEST:
Cameron Porter, Deputy Chair
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