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13.1. PRSR 09-12-2012 Elk REQUEST FOR ACTION River TO ITEM NUMBER Parks and Recreation Commission 13. AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY Work Session September 10, 2012 Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED BY Parks and Facilities Naming Policy Cal Portner, City Administrator REVIEWED BY ACTION REQUESTED Develop a Naming Policy to establish a consistent approach for the official naming of parks and recreational facilities. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION It was recently brought to the attention of some City Council Members and staff that community members have an interest in the naming of park facilities. Staff researched the current City policies and found that no official policy exists. It was also found that an unofficial practice has existed for the past ten+years to not name parks on behalf of individuals. Due to the absence of an official policy, staff did some benchmarking of municipalities'best practices in the naming of facilities. Based on this research, staff has drafted a sample parks and facilities naming policy for the Commission to review and eventually make recommendations to City Council. ATTACHMENTS • Parks and Facilities Naming Policy Draft Action Motion by Second by Vote Follow Up P0I [ 0E0 Ti NATURE Work Session Item: 13.1. Parks & Facilities Naming Policy DRAFT Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to establish a systematic and consistent approach for the official naming of parks and recreation areas and facilities. Objectives: Ensure that parks, recreational areas and facilities are easily identified &located. Ensure that given names to parks, recreational area and facilities are consistent with the values and character of the area or neighborhood served. Encourage public participation in the naming, renaming and dedication of parks, recreation areas and facilities. Encourages the dedication of lands, facilities, or donations by individuals and/or groups. Definition: Parks, recreation areas and facilities - includes all property assets under the City's ownership and the Parks and Recreation Department control including buildings, structures, open spaces,public parks,natural areas, wetlands, environmental habitat and land. Naming Criteria Priorities to be considered in naming all City facilities, including parks and recreation facilities (in order of importance) shall be as follows: A. Historic Names. Names of historic events, groups' organizations, or persons at the local, regional, or national level of major significance with special consideration given to Elk River's own history. B. Places and Feature Names. 1. Recognizable area or neighborhood. Names that aid in locating a facility are acceptable. If the facility is located on a park or school site,the facility need not share the name of the park or school site. 2. Assumed Names. Assumed names should be used only if the area has been known by that assumed name for an extended period of time. 3. Natural Phenomena. Natural phenomena, such as rivers, creeks, and terrain. 4. Horticultural Features. Horticultural features characteristic of a particular area. C. Individual, Groups. or Organizations. The following criteria will be used in evaluating the use of names of persons (whether living or deceased), groups, and organizations. 1. General Criteria. Names of persons, groups, or organizations having a longstanding affiliation with the City of not less than ten (10) or more years of significant community service, involvement, or contributions beyond the ordinary interest level whose efforts have: a. Enhanced the quality of life and well-being of City residents; b. Contributed to the preservation of the City's history or culture; c. Made exemplary or meritorious contributions to the City or its residents; or d. Contributed to the acquisition, development,or conveyance of land,buildings, structures, or other amenities to the City or community. 2. Deceased Persons. To be considered for a naming opportunity,the individual must have been deceased for at least two (2) years. Such individuals may include: a. Historic persons. b. National and/or local heroes. Those who have given outstanding service to mankind or who have worked over and above any ordinary interest level. A resident of Elk River,who has attained local, state, or national recognition for parks and recreation work or work in the areas of public safety or public health, as appropriate to the facility,would be highly acceptable. 3. Living Persons. Facilities may be named after living persons only after a study has been completed relative to the individual's background and qualifications pursuant to the criteria in this policy. 4. Groups and Organizations. Facilities maybe named after groups or organizations pursuant to the criteria set forth in this policy. Procedure: A. Naming of Parks. Recreation Areas and Facilities 1. A request for naming of a park, recreation area or facility shall be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Commission,through the Parks and Recreation Department. 2. Those submitting a naming request should show how the proposed name is consistent with the criteria stated in this policy. When naming after a person or persons,the application will describe the contributions to the City. Written documentation of approval by next of kin to be honored(if available/possible) is required as part of the proposal. City staff will review the proposal for adherence to the stated criteria and authentication of statements relative to contributions in the case of an individual before forwarding to the Parks and Recreation Commission. If the request is incomplete, staff will contact the applicant, in writing, and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit a revised request. 3. The Parks and Recreation Commission will offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming. 4. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision. 5. The Parks and Recreation Commission can initiate the naming process whenever deemed necessary and/or in the best interest of the City. 6. In the absence of any naming requests,the Parks Recreation and Commission shall adhere to criteria stated in this policy in recommendation of name. B. Renaming of Parks, Recreation Areas and Facilities Renaming of parks, recreation areas and facilities carries with it a much greater burden of process compared to initial naming. Tradition and continuity of name and community identification are important community values. Each application must meet the criteria in this policy,but meeting all criteria does not ensure renaming. 1. A request for renaming of a park, recreational area or facility shall be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Commission,through the Parks and Recreation Department. 2. The request shall include the proposed name change,the purpose of the change, and how the proposed name change is consistent with the criteria established. When renaming after a person or persons,the application will describe the contributions to the City. Written documentation approval by next of kin to be honored (if available/possible) is required as part of the proposal. City staff will review the proposal for adherence to the stated criteria and authentication of statements relative to contributions in the case of an individual before forwarding to the Parks and Recreation Commission. If the request is incomplete, staff will contact the applicant, in writing, and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit a revised request. 3. The recognized Neighborhood Association will be notified of the proposal when the Parks and Recreation Department receive a complete application. 4. The Parks and Recreation Commission will offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming. 5. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision.