11-01-2021 Orono Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 1, 2021 6:00 o'clock p.m. 16l1 0W111XIII'll 7D17 Chair Reath called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chairman Brian Roath, Commissioners Janice Berg, Rick Carter, Kjersti Duval, Casey Hudson, and Taylor Stephens, and Gordy Stofer, and Alternate Commissioner Cameron Porter. Representing Staff were Adam Edwards and Josh Lemons. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Reath led the Commissioners and those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Carter moved, Hudson seconded, to approve the September 7, 2021 Park Commission Meeting Minutes. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0. PUBLIC COMMENTS Michael Miller, a 35 year resident of Orono lives on Fagemess Point and would like to publicly recognize Judy Fezenmeier who has taken it upon herself to tend the flowers and plants at Antoine Park in the neighborhood. With the drought this year it was a big challenge and he said the garden looked fabulous. PRESENTATION a. PICKLEBALL PRESENTATION Caroline Melberg, 1290 Lyman Avenue, gave a presentation about pickleball and noted many in attendance are in support of or play pickleball themselves. She explained the unique aspect of the game and that it is the fastest growing sport in the United States. Ms. Melberg is before the Park Commission to discuss dedicated pickleball courts, as currently players play on tennis courts that are lined for pickleball which is not the right experience for true pickleball. A dedicated court means one spends less time chasing balls, it is much more accessible, there is a consistent net height, and the lines are not as confusing. She noted if the players are using the school courts they are also competing with them for court time. Other communities are considering pickleball for the future including Wayzata, Mound, Long Lake, Spring Park, Maple Plain, and others have lined tennis courts and may be considering dedicated courts although she does not know. Ms. Melberg stated all of the courts they play pickleball on are busy and it is a drive for residents to drive over to Long Lake, Minnetonka, and Delano for dedicated pickleball. Many times one will show up and wait for a court to open up. Eagan just built 8 courts, Edina has built 8 courts, and given the demand in Orono 6-8 courts would be ideal; the courts are approximately the size of a volleyball court whereas a tennis court is the size of 4 pickleball courts. Ms. Melberg noted a noise factor to the game and costs which are estimated at $35,000-$45,000 per court, and other options Page 1 of 4