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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2005-051 Naming of Public Parks / Parks & Recreation Related Facilities PolicyRESOLUTION NO. R-2005- 51 A RESOLUTION establishing policies and procedures relating to the naming of public parks and parks and recreation related facilities. WHEREAS, the City Council believes that the designation of names for public parks and parks and recreation facilities should be approached cautiously, with forethought and deliberation; and WHEREAS, the City Council further believes that the setting forth by resolution of policies and procedures relating to the naming of public parks and parks and recreation facilities is in the public interest; and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Commission endorses the establishment of policies and procedures relating to the naming of public parks and parks and recreation related facilities, and WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Division, under the supervision of the Parks and Recreation Manager, shall plan and implement parks and recreation programs and maintain and operate public facilities for use and enjoyment of the public, now, therefore; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YAKIMA: The City Manager and City Clerk of the City of Yakima are hereby authorized and directed to implement the following "Policy Establishing Names for Public Parks and Parks and Recreation Facilities" for the City of Yakima. Section 1. It is the policy of the City of Yakima to choose names for public parks and parks and recreation facilities based upon the site's relationship to the following criteria: a) Neighborhood, geographic or common usage identification; b) A natural or geological feature; c) An historical figure, place, event, or other instance of historical or cultural significance; d) An individual (living or deceased) or group who has made a significant land and/or monetary contribution to the parks system or who has had the contribution made "in memoriam;" and when the name has been stipulated as a condition of the donation; e) An individual who has contributed outstanding civic service to the City of Yakima primarily in the area of Parks and Recreation and who has been deceased for a period of at least one year. Section 2. The City Council shall designate the names of public parks and parks or recreation facilities. The City Council shall make its selection after receiving a recommendation from Yakima's Parks and Recreation Commission, based upon public input from individuals and organizations. If a contest or competition is to be held to determine the name of a parks or recreation facility, the Parks and Recreation Commissioners shall establish guidelines and rules for the contest. Section 3. A park's interior features and/or facilities may have names other than that of the entire parks. These names are subject to criteria designated in Section 1 above. Section 4. A name once adopted should be bestowed with the intention that it will be permanent • • • - • - • • • e • Section 5. Following selection of a parks or parks and recreation facility name by the City Council, the Parks and Recreation Division will identify the specific parks or facility by appropriate signing specifying the name. ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 22nd of ATTEST: City Clerk 2 March , 2005. WIC Paul P. George, Mayor Memorandum March 14, 2005 To. Honorable Mayor & Members of the Yakima City Council Dick Zais, City Manager From: Chris Waarvick, Director of Public Works Denise Nichols, Parks And Recreation Manager Re: Policy and Procedures for Naming Public Parks and Parks and Recreation Facilities Introduction The naming of parks and other public facilities is an important part of establishing a sense of community within any city. The right name can create images of the past, draw attention to important community landmarks or honor the lives of distinguished citizens. Determining the best name for a given facility can be a difficult and potentially controversial process. It is in the best interest of the City of Yakima and the community to establish a clear process for naming new facilities in advance of bringing any new facilities on line. Such a process must include ample opportunity for public participation. In researching other municipalities, their written policies agree on three primary naming criteria: 1. Geographic or neighborhood location; 2. Historical or cultural significance; 3. Natural or geological features. The most critical and potentially volatile criterion concerns how parks may be named for people. It should be noted that most municipalities try to avoid naming parks for individuals, though none disallow it entirely. Policies allow naming for an individual primarily in three instances: 1. If an individual is an historic figure; 2. If the individual has contributed land or money for the purposes of establishing a park; or 3. If an individual/group has performed outstanding civic service for the benefit of the parks and recreation system. To name a park for a donor individual or one who has performed outstanding civic service, some agencies require that the individual be deceased for one to three years. Others allow naming for a donor only if it is stipulated as a condition of the donation. To name a park for an individual as an honor for outstanding civic service, most agencies require a delay of six months to two years from the time of nomination if the individual has died recently. No delay is required for donors when the name is a condition of the donation. The only agency to mention allowing parks to be named for retiring governmental officials was the City of Renton. The City of Bellevue has a policy of not naming for governmental officials. This policy is not stated explicitly, but by omission. Bellevue's policy does not contain criteria for outstanding civic service — parks may only be named for donors or historical figures. Other Considerations An important aspect of a park name is that it be used by the general public. To ensure that this does take place, it would be prudent to research the background of the land parcels proposed for or included in the park proposal. A name should be concisely constructed so that it will not be intentionally shortened. Another potential complication is the influence of interim or working names. These names tend to be retained unintentionally. This is not necessarily improper, since a working name may also be the most appropriate one. (Examples: South 2nd Street Park, Cherry Park) A park name should be chosen early in the acquisition/design process. Decision Responsibility This area is the most uniform among municipalities. Usually, the Parks and Recreation staff does the primary research and "name gathering" in every organization. Proposals are submitted to a Parks and Recreation Commission for recommendation. Final approval rests with the City Council. Public Input The solicitation of public input into a park naming decision is required standard procedure in most municipalities. The most common method of obtaining public input is the use of Parks and Recreation Commission or public meetings. Other practices mentioned are contests, questionnaires, and a list of people who required to be acknowledged and recorded for consideration. Name Changes Once officially approved, a name should be considered permanent and name changes should be strongly resisted. Tacoma allows changes to be made if circumstances are exceptional and if historical or common usage names wouldn't be violated. Names associated with the property appearing on maps for greater than 50 years or associated with registers of historic places should not be changed. In the event of a name change proposal where the new name would honor an individual, several procedures may be taken. Initially, the Council should determine whether it is timely to consider naming a certain facility in honor of a local citizen, or the Council could delay the decision for a period of 120 days or more from the initial consideration to diminish the steam of emotional events and ensure a rational process. The request is then referred to the Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration and recommendation. During this period of time, the Parks and Recreation Commission or Council could encourage the submittal of additional names for current or future consideration. Naming Features Within a Park In the past, this practice has been discouraged, however, it is more common now with the possibility of seeking sponsors for certain elements with in a park facility. In Yakima, we have allowed interior features to be named. (Example: Helen Jewett Kitchen at the Harman Center). Interior names should not detract from the primary park name. In most cases, naming features within a park/facility does not require Council approval. Yakima's Past Practice Most recent park names have been in recognition of major donors who have contributed financially (Harman Center at Gailleon Park). A few parks within our system are recognized by street address, which allows the potential for a name change in the future. (South 2nd St. Park, South 6a` Ave. Parkway, Cherry Park). Currently, there are two requests for naming a park. The first is to honor Ed Putnum who was a longstanding Parks Superintendent in Yakima. The second request was presented to Council to name a park after long serving council members (20 + years). Both requests are on hold until a resolution and policy is established and approved by Yakima City Council. Attachments 1. Policy and Procedures 2. List of Parks and their Names Attachment 1 Policy and Procedures for Naming Public Parks and Parks and Recreation Facilities 1.0 Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures and criteria for the official naming of parks and parks and recreation facilities. 2.0 Policy: 2.1 It is the policy of the Yakima Parks and Recreation Division to follow Resolution Number of the Yakima City Council and to properly name public parks and other parks and recreation facilities with the intention of naming being permanent. 2.2 In naming public parks and parks and recreation facilities, consideration shall be primarily given to the following criteria: A. Neighborhood, geographic, or common usage identification; B. A natural or geological feature; C. An historical figure, place, event, or other instance of historical or cultural significance; D. An individual (living or deceased) or group who has made a significant land and/or monetary contribution to the park system or who has had the contribution made "in memoriam;" and when the name has been stipulated as a condition of the donation; E. An individual who has contributed outstanding civic service to the City of Yakima primarily in the area of Parks and Recreation and who has been deceased for a period of at least one year.. 3.0 Authorization: 3.1 The Park and Recreation Commission shall review all requests for naming public parks and parks and recreation facilities and shall make a recommendation to the Yakima City Council who shall have final authority to name or rename a public parks or parks and recreation facility. 4.0 Procedure: 4.1 In the acquisition of park facilities, address (or number) designation shall be used until the formal naming of the park facility. Whenever possible, naming shall be made prior to completion of purchase or construction of the park or facility. 4.2 Suggestions for names shall be solicited from individuals, organizations, the community and neighborhood at -large. Media cooperation should be encouraged. All suggestions shall be acknowledged and recorded for consideration by the Parks and Recreation Commission. 4.3 To avoid duplication, confusing similarity, or name inappropriateness, the Parks and Recreation Division, in considering name suggestions shall review existing local building, facility, business names, and residential project titles and identification. 4.4 The Parks and Recreation Division will make every effort to contact and solicit comments from surrounding property owners, residents, and/or affected parties before taking action on any naming or renaming of parks or recreation facilities. 4.5 The Parks and Recreation Division shall provide appropriate public notice on any naming actions in conjunction with other agenda items for regularly scheduled Parks and Recreation Commission meetings. A period of not less than 30 days shall be provided for any written public comment on any naming action. The Parks and Recreation Commissioners shall provide an opportunity for public comment on any naming action. 4.6 Following a public review at a regular meeting and the conclusion of the public comment period, the Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward all naming or renaming actions to the Yakima City Council along with a formal recommendation. 4.7 The Yakima City Council, upon receipt of a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission, may hold a public hearing prior to any final action. 4.8 The Yakima City Council shall approve any naming or renaming action by resolution. 4.9 The Parks and Recreation Division, upon approval of the naming or renaming action by the Yakima City Council, shall implement name changes for designated parks and recreation facilities. The Parks and Recreation Division shall notify and acknowledge those who have submitted the adopted suggestion. The Parks and Recreation Division shall also notify appropriate offices, agencies, and the media. Upon City Council denial of a name or name change, the Parks and Recreation Division shall notify those who sponsored the name change. 4.10 A name, once adopted, should be bestowed with the intention that it will be permanent, and changes should be strongly resisted. 4.11 Changes of names for parks and recreation facilities should only be approved when they do not alter historical or common usage names. 4.12 Historical names placed on designated landmarks listed on the Washington State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places shall not be changed. 5.0 Criteria for Exceptional Community Service 5.1 Outstanding service shall be performed in one or more of the following categories: A. Involvement in the betterment of Parks and Recreation facilities and/or programs which contribute toward the quality of life for the citizens of Yakima. B. Involvement in a leadership role in civic organizations which are devoted to community improvement. C. Assistance to the underprivileged, economically disadvantaged, physically and/or mentally handicapped. D. Actively promoted and directed community events and activities which have clearly added to the enrichment of the quality and quantity of cultural life within the community. E. Actively promoted and implemented effective youth programs and activities within the community to the City's young people. F. Actively promoted and implemented effective programs and activities within the community for the senior citizens of the community. G. Assumed an active leadership role in developing and implementing programs directed to the improvement of the visual aesthetic appearance of the community and the commercial, public or residential level. 6.0 Signage 6.1 H. Assumed an active leadership role in developing programs and/or facilities for collecting, promoting and retaining the many aspects of the natural or historical heritage of the community. I. Assumed an active leadership role in developing programs and facilities directed toward the improvement of community social and health needs as well as programs directed toward humanitarian purposes. Public parks and parks and recreation facilities shall be identified by the established name, and signs shall be installed and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Division as a source of identity and public pride. Attachment 2 Parks and Their Names (The following lists the origins of Yakima's parks as determined primarily through deeds and news papers clippings in Parks and Recreation's historical files. In most cases, the names were selected by the Metropolitan Park District prior to 1969.) Central Business District Cherry Park Used to be Owyee Park. Chesterley John F. Chesterley, Park Commissioner. Eisenhower Named for the high school which was named for Dwight D. Eisenhower, U. S. President. Elks Park Originally Fruitvale Park. Renamed in 1964 when the Elks Lodge donated $13,000 for major improvements. Fairbrook John and Mar Jean Fairbrook, two principals in the L.B. Andrews Company which donated the properties to the Metropolitan Park District in 1967. Fisher Golf Course Earl M. Fisher, long-time member of the Metropolitan Park District. Franklin Park Gailleon Park Located on land originally called the Franklin Park Addition according to legal descriptions for various parcels. Adjacent to Franklin Junior High.1954, named Lions Centennial Park in honor of Lions Club. 1957, renamed Franklin Park in response to complaints from citizens. Gail and Leona Clevenger, parents of David Clevenger who donated the land to the City for a park. Stipulated in deed. Gardner Stephen C. Gardner, owner -operator of Gardner Oil Company, community supporter and donor of the property. Gilbert Park Elon Gilbert donated the Warehouse and land to the City. Harman Center John and Wauna Harman. (Their foundation funded construction of the building.) Kissel Park Emil Kissel, long-time Metropolitan Park District employee and, then, superintendent. Kiwanis Park Kiwanis Club, donors of original property. Larson Park Donated by Rose B. Larson with stipulation that it be called Larson Park. Lions Park Recognizes Lions Club's generous support of City park system. Plaque at pool commemorates Mer Edmondson, long-time Park Commissioner. McGuinness Park Dr. Don McGuinness, local pediatrician and park board member. 3/16/05 Martin Luther King Park Miller Park Milroy Park Naches Avenue Parkway Perry Soccer Complex Portia Park Powerhouse Canal Pathway Randall Park Raymond Park Rosalma Garden Club Park Southeast Community Park South 2nd Street Park South 6th Avenue Parkway Summitview Park Tahoma Cemetery Tieton Terrace Park Walter Ortman Parkway 3/16/05 Martin Luther King. Originally called Washington Park. Originally known as City Park or North 4th Street Park. Originally known as Lincoln Park. Named for Judge Robert Bruce Milroy, Yakima pioneer, well known citizen and one-time owner of the property. Naches Avenue, land that was platted in 1885. One of first established park properties. J. M. Perry (Institute), owner of property. Dedicated in 1946 to the Portia Club, a women's organization long interested in the park. Powerhouse Canal, one of the area's original canals. The powerhouse, an original source of electricity for the City, is at Lincoln and 20`h Ray Randall, local grocer and owner of the property. Mr. and Mrs. Fred M. Raymond, prominent and generous citizens. He was member of Artificial Ice and Fuel for about 30 years. The firm donated the land. Rosalma Garden Club. In recognition of the time, money and effort expended by the ladies in developing the park. Southeast Community which developed the park and the center. Dedicated to the memory of Bernard and Dora Wilkinson who owned and lived on the property from 1888 to 1930. Mount Rainier. "Un -Named" Parks Cherry Park North 41h Avenue and Cherry Naches Avenue parkway Naches Avenue from Race Street to 1 Street North 44th Avenue Park Lincoln and North 441h South 2nd Street Park South 2"d Street and Race South 6th Avenue Parkway South 61h Avenue and Tieton Summitview Park 11`h Avenue and Summitview Tieton Terrace Park South 26m Avenue and Walnut 3/16/05 BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. 9 For Meeting of March 22, 2005 ITEM In LE: A Resolution Establishing Policies and Procedures Relating to the Naming of Public Parks and Parks and Recreation Facilities SUBMITTED BY: Chris Waarvick, Director of Public Works Denise Nichols, Parks and Recreation Manager CONTACT PERSON/TELEPHONE: Denise Nichols, 575-6020 SUMMARY EXPLANATION: The naming of public parks and other parks and recreation facilities is an important part of establishing a sense of community within a city. The attached memorandum and resolution establishes a clear process for naming new parks and parks and recreation facilities for existing non -named parks. Resolution X Ordinance Other (Specify) Memorandum Mail to (name and address): N/A Funding Source N/A Policy Issue APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: City Manager STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff respectfully requests Council to approve the Resolution establishing policies and procedures relating to the naming of public parks and parks and recreation related facilities. BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved this resolution and procedures at their March 14, 2005 Commission meeting. COUNCIL ACTION: Resolution adopted. RESOLUTION NO. R-2005-51