02-12-2025 PR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2 of 8 February 12, 2025 They do have a backup plan for the weather. The Church had a hay wagon ride event in the park last fall and it went well. Moved by Commissioner Fermoyle and seconded by Commissioner Varty to approve the Free Grace United Easter Egg Hunt at Lion John Weicht Park on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Motion carried 7-0 7.2 Athletic Fields Framework Plan Kevin Clarke with HKGi presented his slideshow showing the changes requested by the Commission from previous meetings. He explained that a framework plan will require additional design refinements as the projects are built out over time and things change. One of the goals of this plan was to move specific sport types into central locations versus being spread out amongst different complexes. Elements of consideration included grouping facilities, improving the quality of facilities, and looking at how maintenance and programming would fit into the complexes. Mr. Clarke explained the tournament capacity included the details in the graph in the slideshow. There are some wetland delineations that still need to be finalized. Those must be done within 5 years so it would be good to wait on those until closer to construction. Oak knoll would have a goal of having all ages able to play at the same time. He reviewed the DAAC changes from a 4-way pinwheel to a two field and another programmable field space for Parks and Recreation. Overall, the complex would become an extension of Orono Park. He then reviewed the PT Complex changes primarily with the lower south side of the complex being developed. He stressed that there were foul ball concerns by the commission and those details have been addressed in the design. Funding for the projects would come from various methods including partnerships, grants, relationships with the school district. Commissioner Niziolek asked if an agreement has been signed with ISD 728 as far as Oak Knoll. Mr. Stremcha said no but they are in good faith and waiting for the plan from the City before they would commit and make their plans known. Commissioner Niziolek said that he is nervous to decide without having a commitment from the school district. Mr. Stremcha said once the Commission makes their recommendation the City Council and Independent School District 728 would discuss future options. Commissioner Loidolt said he likes the ideas, but the Oak Knoll project has a lot of amenities in the plans. He is concerned about foul balls and parking etc. in such a small space. He wants to make sure that HKGI is doing their due diligence to make sure this would work. Mr. Clarke said that the foul ball issues are factored into the plan. Commissioner Loidolt said that he is placing his trust into the designers that they are making the right choices to keep fans safe from foul balls. Otherwise, he is happy with the plan. He said that they just need find the money and finalize the agreement with ISD 728.