BRAINERD — The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Board will host a public hearing on the future of Brainerd Loons Skiing on Rice Lake.
The Park Board is considering a draft agreement with Brainerd Ski Loons to continue operating out of Lum Park. While the board is not expected to take action on the agreement during its 4 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, February 27, at Brainerd City Hall, Ski Loons has invited a presentation and the public, specifically residents adjacent to Rice Lake, to provide feedback on items that They would like to see it if Ski Loons continues to operate out of Lum Park.
According to an emailed notice of the public hearing from Park Board Chairman John Miller, the board will use information from Tuesday's meeting to determine if a contract is possible. Feedback requested by the Park Board includes the number of days per week and days Ski Loon offers are offered, hours of operation, distance from shore for activities, reasonable penalties for breach of contract and requirements for boating safety courses from third-party vendors.
“What we hope to see from residents and the organization is constructive feedback on promoting safe use of the lake as well as operational restrictions to ensure a sustainable relationship for the future,” Miller wrote in the email. “However, we would like to keep comprehensive verbal statements on general issues to a minimum to allow the time allotted to be constructive, but all such discussions are welcome to be submitted in writing to the Board prior to the meeting.”
Miller's email concluded by noting if the Park Board can draft a reasonable contract, it will be in the best interest of residents to help maintain their location on the lake and give Brainerd Ski Loons a long-term home that can have a significant impact on activities in the Brainerd park system. .
“The benefits this can provide are not just limited to the children and members of the organization, but they are also benefits we can provide to the rest of our community,” Miller said.
In a Facebook post Monday, Brainerd Ski Loons urged the community to attend the public hearing to support the organization.
“We need the community to speak up in support of Ski Loons to let them know our community wants outstanding organizations to call Brainerd home,” the post read. “If Ski Loons has a positive impact on your life, the Park Board should hear your testimony at Tuesday's meeting before they make their decision. We are extremely grateful to all of our supporters and hope to see you there on Tuesday.”
Following the presentation and public hearing, staff will seek guidance from the Park Board regarding a potential Ski Loons agreement.
