8.1 SR 02-22-2022Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 8.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business February 22, 2022 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Item Description Reviewed by
Parks and Facilities Naming Policy Requirements Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, the elimination of the requirement to wait two years after a person has been deceased.
Background/Discussion
The Commission discussed at the February 9 meeting the waiving of the naming policy requirement to wait two
years after a deceased person has passed before a naming opportunity can be considered.
The Commission recommended by a 7-0 vote to eliminate this requirement. The initial recommendation to
waive this requirement was changed by the Commission with the word “eliminate.”
The naming policy was developed in 2012 by the Commission through the “benchmarking of municipalities”
best practices to establish a consistent approach for the naming of parks and recreation areas.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
Parks and Facilities Naming Policy
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Parks & Facilities Naming Policy
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
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
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. For example, the
,
the south end of Morton Avenue at the confluence of the Mississippi and Elk
Rivers.
3. Natural Features. Natural features, 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 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 c
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. An Elk River area resident, 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 individua
pursuant to the criteria in this policy.
4. Groups and Organizations. Facilities may be named after groups or
organizations pursuant to the criteria set forth in this policy.
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Procedure:
A. Naming of Parks, Recreation Areas and Facilities
Њ͵ 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.
Ћ͵ 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.
Ќ͵ The Parks and Recreation Commission will offer the opportunity for public
input on the proposed naming. A notice requesting a public meeting for naming
of a park, recreation area or facility shall be posted
official newspaper at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
Ѝ͵ The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to
City Council for final decision.
Ў͵ The Parks and Recreation Commission can initiate the naming process whenever
deemed necessary and/or in the best interest of the city.
Џ͵ 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.
Њ͵ 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.
Ћ͵ 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
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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.
Ќ͵ The recognized Neighborhood Association will be notified of the proposal when
the Parks and Recreation Department receive a complete application.
Ѝ͵ The Parks and Recreation Commission will offer the opportunity for public
input on the proposed naming. A notice requesting a public meeting for naming
of a park, recreation area or facility shall be posted a
official newspaper at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
Ў͵ The Parks and Recreation Commission shall forward their recommendation to
City Council for final decision.
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POLICY REVIEW HISTORY
PARKS AND FACILITY NAMING POLICY
Approved by City Council November 19, 2012.
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