Parks, Areas, & Facilities Naming Policy

Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to establish a systematic and consistent approach for the official naming of parks and recreational areas and facilities.

Objectives:
Ensure that parks, recreational areas and facilities are easily identified and located.
Ensure that given names to parks, recreational areas 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.

Criteria:
The policy of the Parks and Recreation Department is to name parks, recreation areas and facilities through an adopted process utilizing established criteria emphasizing community values and character, local history, geography, environmental, civics and service to the uniquely West Linn community.

1. The following criteria shall be used in determining the appropriateness of the naming designation:
a. Geographic location (neighborhood, significant areas, etc.)
b. Natural features
c. A person (non-living) or place of historical or cultural significance
d. A person (non-living), group, or feature particularly identified with the land or facility

2. The process to name parks, recreation areas and facilities should begin within 12 months after the City has acquired title to the land and/or formally accepted the dedication.

3. Conditions of property donation as agreed upon by the donor and the City shall be honored regarding the naming of the parks, recreation areas and facilities subject to these adopted policies.

4. Names that are similar to existing parks, properties or facilities in the City system (or other systems in the Metro area) should not be considered in order to minimize confusion.

5. The City reserves the right to change the name to maintain consistency with these policies.

Procedure:

1. Naming of Parks, Recreation Areas and Facilities
a. A request for naming of a park, recreational area or facility shall be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, through the Parks and Recreation Department.
b. 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 Advisory Board. If the request is incomplete, staff will contact the applicant, in writing, and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit a revised request.
c. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming.
d. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision.
e. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board can initiate the naming process whenever deemed necessary and/or in the best interest of the City.
f. In the absence of any naming requests, the Parks Recreation and Advisory Board shall adhere to criteria stated in this policy in recommendation of name.

2. 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.
a. A request for renaming of a park, recreational area or facility shall be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, through the Parks and Recreation Department.
b. 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 Advisory Board. If the request is incomplete, staff will contact the applicant, in writing, and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit a revised request.

c. The recognized Neighborhood Association will be notified of the proposal when the Parks and Recreation Department receive a complete application.
d. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming.
e. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board shall forward their recommendation to City Council for final decision.