Chapter 12.09
PARK AND PARK FACILITY NAMING POLICY
Sections:
12.09.070 Plaques, markers and memorials.
12.09.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish the standard procedures and guidelines for the naming of public parklands and facilities owned and/or operated by the City of Airway Heights. This chapter is the basis for future naming decisions. (Ord. C-681 § 2, 2008)
12.09.020 Objectives.
The City of Airway Heights has established the park naming program to accomplish the following objectives:
A. Name identification for individual parks, park areas or park facilities.
B. Establish criteria for citizen input into the process of naming parks, park areas or park facilities.
C. Assurance that the naming of parks, park areas, or park facilities is controlled by the City of Airway Heights City Council through recommendations from the City of Airway Heights Park Advisory Board. (Ord. C-681 § 3, 2008)
12.09.030 Authorization.
Making the recommendation for the naming of sites is the function of the Airway Heights Park Advisory Board. Facilities within a park can be named separately from the park and/or facility in which they are located, subject to the general guidelines outlined in this chapter. Diversity, balance and creativity will be sought during the selection of site names. The Board shall make a recommendation by passing a resolution. The resolution making a recommendation for the naming of a site will be presented to the Airway Heights City Council for final approval. (Ord. C-681 § 4, 2008)
12.09.040 Qualifying names.
The following shall be considered when determining an appropriate name for a park, park area, or park facility:
A. The geographic location of the facility. This includes descriptive names.
B. An outstanding feature of the facility or area.
C. An adjoining subdivision, street, school or natural feature.
D. A commonly recognized historical event, group, organization or individual (living or deceased).
E. An individual or organization that contributed significantly to the acquisition or development of the facility to be named. This can include either a deed or substantial monetary contribution, or contribution toward acquisition and/or development of the park or facility (typically not less than 50 percent of the value of the property or improvements).
F. Outstanding accomplishments by an individual for the good of the community. Quality of the contribution should be considered along with the length of service by the individual – this is to be fully substantiated by the person making the recommendation. (Ord. C-681 § 5, 2008)
12.09.050 Naming process.
Nominations for a name should come from neighborhood organizations in the same locality as the park or facility. Other nominations from concerned citizens and special interest groups will also be considered. The Park Advisory Board may also elect to initiate a citizen contest for nominations. In all cases citizen involvement will be encouraged. If no citizen nominations are made or consensus obtained, then the Park Advisory Board and City staff will initiate naming nominations.
A. A temporary name will be designated by City staff for identification during acquisition and/or development of the park area or facility.
B. Individuals, groups or organizations wishing to nominate a name must submit their nomination in writing to the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services on a form provided by the department.
C. The Park Advisory Board will conduct a public meeting on the suggested name to allow for public comment. (Ord. C-681 § 6, 2008)
12.09.060 Renaming process.
The renaming of parks and facilities will be strongly discouraged. Critical examination will be conducted to ensure that renaming the park or facility will not diminish the original justification for the name or the prior contributors. Renaming will follow the same procedures as naming the park or facility. Only parks and facilities named for geographic location, outstanding feature or subdivision should be considered for renaming. Parks and facilities named after individuals shall never be changed unless it is found that because of the individual’s character the continued use of their name would not be in the best interest of the community. (Ord. C-681 § 7, 2008)
12.09.070 Plaques, markers and memorials.
The Park Advisory Board must approve any plaques, markers or memorials placed in the public parklands and facilities owned and/or operated by the City of Airway Heights. The Board will forward a recommendation for placement of any plaques, markers or memorials to the City Council for final approval. All memorials must be designed to blend with and complement the existing Parks and Recreation Department signs, plaques, markers and memorials. (Ord. C-681 § 8, 2008)