Chapter 13.05
NAMING OR RENAMING OF CITY PARKS
Sections:
13.05.020 Criteria and factors for naming or renaming of city parks.
13.05.030 Procedure for naming parks.
13.05.010 Definitions.
(1) “Board” shall mean the parks and recreation board of the city of Longview;
(2) “City” shall mean the city of Longview, Washington.
(3) “City council” shall mean the council of the city of Longview, Washington.
(4) “Park” shall mean any park owned and/or operated by the city of Longview, Washington.
(5) “Request” shall be a request by a party to name or rename a park. The request shall be in writing and include:
(a) The name, address and telephone number of each party making the request to name or rename a park;
(b) The location of the park;
(c) The proposed name of the park, including any applicable information set forth in LMC 13.05.020; and
(d) The name, address, telephone number, and signature giving the approval for use of a person’s name, including the relationship to the person. (Ord. 3052 § 2, 2008).
13.05.020 Criteria and factors for naming or renaming of city parks.
The following criteria and factors shall be considered when naming or renaming a city park:
(1) Neighborhood or geographical identification, such as street, school or other descriptive names;
(2) Natural or geological features of the area;
(3) Historical or cultural significance. The name of a historical figure can be considered if the figure had a significant historical influence on the area;
(4) The name of any person or family that has made a significant impact in the community and/or in development of the park;
(5) The articulated preference of residents of the neighborhood surrounding the park;
(6) Names similar to those of existing parks shall be avoided;
(7) Conditions and/or stipulations of the original property donation, deed or development shall be followed;
(8) A name should represent community values and consider future generations and ethnic diversity;
(9) If the name of an individual or family is to be considered, the use of such name shall have the approval of the individual (or his/her surviving family) or family;
(10) The names submitted in a contest for naming of a park; such names from a contest will only be advisory and not binding on the city. If a contest or competition is to be held to determine the name of a park, the board shall establish guidelines and rules for the contest. No city funds shall be used for any contest prizes;
(11) A name once adopted should be bestowed with the intention that it will be permanent and changes should be strongly resisted. (Ord. 3052 § 2, 2008).
13.05.030 Procedure for naming parks.
(1) The naming or renaming of a park may be initiated by the city council, parks and recreation board, staff, a group or individuals.
(2) The initiation of naming or renaming a park shall be made by submitting a request to the board.
(3) Upon receipt of the request, the board shall place the request on the agenda for review of the proposed name(s), taking of public comment, and discussion of the criteria and factors set forth in LMC 13.05.020.
(4) After the board has considered the request, the board will then make a recommendation to the city council for the naming or renaming of a park. The board will provide a written decision on the result of their decision; such decision shall include what factors and/or criteria were considered in reaching their decision. The decision of the board shall be provided to the requesting party within 10 days of the decision. If the board recommends the denial of the request then the matter does not need to be considered by the city council unless the person or group that submitted the request appeals the decision of the board to the city council within 30 days of the board’s decision. Such appeal must be made in writing and submitted to the director of parks and recreation and city clerk for inclusion on the agenda of the city council within 90 days of receipt of the appeal. The appeal shall include the basis of the appeal, including any criteria or factors set forth in LMC 13.05.020.
(5) The city council may name or rename a park by a majority vote except as set forth in LMC 13.05.020(7).
(6) If a park is named or renamed, a resolution will set forth the new name. (Ord. 3052 § 2, 2008).