About Preserve Orono Parks (POP)

The two-year controversy over whether to allow the Long Lake Rowing Club (LLRC) at Summit Beach Park seemed like a shot across the bow. It raised many questions. 

  • Why would you build an encroaching private structure on a small public park land parcel? 

  • Weren’t city leaders aware of the history of Summit Beach Park – how it was generously donated by the Bruce Dayton family in 1979, explicitly intended to be a public park, unencumbered by development of any kind?

  • Was this unnecessary proposal – seriously considered by the city’s Park Commission, City Council  and the Mayor – a sign of things to come for the rest of our parks?

We’re Concerned

POP is a group of concerned Orono residents, dedicated to protecting and preserving our parks: Their character. Their naturalness. Their history. Their easy access to local and visiting users who love our parks as much as we do – and who respect and honor the gift of the Dayton and family and others who have made Orono parks what they are today.

Will you join us?