Keep Orono Public Golf Course Dedicated to Golf
Keep Orono Public Golf Course Dedicated to Golf
The Issue
On November 1, 2022, the City of Orono applied for grant money to offset construction costs for a possible Multi-sport Facility at the Orono Public Golf Course.
This proposed location for the sports facility (between the first tee and ninth green) would require extensive grading, retaining walls, hardscape, fencing, lighting, and relocation of the maintenance shed. The course is not on a large piece of property, and it is beloved for its rural, quiet, natural character. The proposed project will decrease open space and increase hardcover, car traffic, light and noise levels at this unique, natural park.
ACTION NEEDED
Request that the City of Orono pledge to protect this historic, public asset and limit projects to those that improve golf play and support quiet, low impact sports like cross country skiing and sledding.
Urge the Orono City Council and Parks Commission to engage ALL residents before proceeding with plans to spend taxpayer dollars on a costly multi-sport facility.
Challenge elected and appointed city leaders to uphold the Mission and Vision Statement of the City of Orono…including citizen involvement and preservation of natural rural beauty.
“Preserving and maintaining Orono’s open space is a priority…because once you lose it you will never get it back.”
- Mayor Denny Walsh, 2016
BACKGROUND
On October 24, 2022, Orono City Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution #7305 to seek Youth Sports grant money to build a half basketball court, pickleball courts and infrastructure for an ice rink on the hillside of the golf course. No effort to communicate this plan to the public has been made by the City of Orono.
If awarded, the grant money is required to be used to build at the Orono Public Golf Course. No other sites are under consideration.
The plan includes grading natural hillside, repaving/expanding parking, demolition/new construction of a golf maintenance building, installing fencing and possible sound barriers due to the noise from pickle ball.
Keep our city golf course dedicated to public Golf, providing affordability and accessibility to all.
The Issue
On November 1, 2022, the City of Orono applied for grant money to offset construction costs for a possible Multi-sport Facility at the Orono Public Golf Course.
This proposed location for the sports facility (between the first tee and ninth green) would require extensive grading, retaining walls, hardscape, fencing, lighting, and relocation of the maintenance shed. The course is not on a large piece of property, and it is beloved for its rural, quiet, natural character. The proposed project will decrease open space and increase hardcover, car traffic, light and noise levels at this unique, natural park.
ACTION NEEDED
Request that the City of Orono pledge to protect this historic, public asset and limit projects to those that improve golf play and support quiet, low impact sports like cross country skiing and sledding.
Urge the Orono City Council and Parks Commission to engage ALL residents before proceeding with plans to spend taxpayer dollars on a costly multi-sport facility.
Challenge elected and appointed city leaders to uphold the Mission and Vision Statement of the City of Orono…including citizen involvement and preservation of natural rural beauty.
“Preserving and maintaining Orono’s open space is a priority…because once you lose it you will never get it back.”
- Mayor Denny Walsh, 2016
BACKGROUND
On October 24, 2022, Orono City Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution #7305 to seek Youth Sports grant money to build a half basketball court, pickleball courts and infrastructure for an ice rink on the hillside of the golf course. No effort to communicate this plan to the public has been made by the City of Orono.
If awarded, the grant money is required to be used to build at the Orono Public Golf Course. No other sites are under consideration.
The plan includes grading natural hillside, repaving/expanding parking, demolition/new construction of a golf maintenance building, installing fencing and possible sound barriers due to the noise from pickle ball.
Keep our city golf course dedicated to public Golf, providing affordability and accessibility to all.
Petition Closed
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Petition created on November 20, 2022