SUMMIT BEACH PARK

The Ugly in Orono: Our Parks Lack Upkeep

Why are our parks not being kept up? Why does it seem the Orono Park Commission spends more time and money on feasibility projects than general upkeep of our parks? Tens of thousands of dollars have been spent on “study plans” - money that is going to consultants instead of investing in basic upkeep of our parks.

This is a photo of the Summit Beach parking lot. It is used year round to access the beach and the East Long Lake walking trail. It has been lacking a sufficient gravel base for years. In 2022, the Orono City Council approved $19,500 for a master plan study to improve the park. Since then nothing has changed or has been maintained. The parking lot is a mess and the walking trail lacks any trash receptacles for dog waste.

Seems like the Park Commission is more interested in building new sports complexes for Orono schools or other special interest groups than they are in maintaining the parks Orono citizens use. Or maybe this is payback to the citizens for not going along with giving up Summit Beach for a private entity to build a boathouse/clubhouse?

There was so much chitchat from the Orono city council about improving Summit Beach with a master plan with all these grand intentions and all we see now is it is being neglected. A muddy parking lot, dog doo everywhere and unattractive road signage are evidence of lack of maintenance.

It is a shame that these special places are not being tended to. Is it because they aren’t areas for sport courts, new softball fields or places where new buildings can be constructed?

The city council does not realize passive parks and trails like these are why people move to Orono. Time to vote in a new city council that values our parks as they are - irreplaceable natural resources. We need new leadership that “sees” the special qualities of Summit Beach and works to blend in - not compete - with its natural beauty.

#togetherwearebetter @friendsoforono #voteuglyout

Summit Beach Park is a 4.8 acre parcel of land that was donated by Bruce Dayton to the City of Orono over 20 years ago. This pristine beach also contains wetlands and old growth trees. Historically it is one of the larger public parks in the area that anyone can visit and swim. Twice the City of Orono tried to build a commercial sized dwelling here - once with an over 9000 square foot plan and the second time with an over 7666 square foot plan. In both instances the plans were drawn up in collaboration with the Long Lake Rowing Crew (former Club). The LLRC has withdrawn their proposal, however, the City of Orono has now planned a $300,000 dwelling instead.

Due to the popularity and history of Summit Beach, a petition was started and continues today. Click below article to sign.

Orono Public Golf Course

Although the Hennepin County Youth Grant application for a Hockey Rink has been withdrawn from consideration, there are four Park Commissioners, #BrianRoath, #CameronPorter, #JanBerg, #SandraRasmussen that are all in favor of adding Pickleball Courts to the Golf Course against nearly one thousand citizens. The search for a new venue and funding continues.