Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks and Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Recommendation from the Recreation and Parks Commission to Name the Picnic Shelter at Ray Flanagan Park- Slaton Family Shelter
REPORT IN BRIEF
An application has been received to consider the naming of the picnic shelter at Ray Flanagan Park. The application received suggests naming the facility Slaton Family Shelter. The application has been reviewed by the Director of Parks and Community Services for requirements set forth in Administrative Policy A-20 and was found to be compliant with all requirements and without any identifiable conflict of interest. A public hearing was held by the Recreation and Parks Commission on September 25, 2023. As a result of the public hearing the Recreation and Parks Commission recommends City Council’s formal adoption of the name Slaton Family Shelter for the picnic shelter at Ray Flanagan Park.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the Recreation and Parks Commission recommendation to name the picnic shelter at Ray Flanagan Park as Slaton Family Shelter.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer to staff for consideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
4. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Chapter 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2023-2024 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Justification of Application
An application to name the picnic shelter at Ray Flanagan Park has been submitted by Mr. Tony Slaton. The Slaton Family, who once owned the land where Ray Flanagan Park now exists, have been members of the Merced community for almost 100 years. The family’s contributions began with the arrival of Mr. John Slaton in 1930 when he opened a labor camp on the land where Ray Flanagan Park exists now. Since that time the Slaton Family has founded several churches in the area, owned a diverse array of local businesses, created learning centers in partnership with local school districts, and served on several local governing boards and commissions.
Ray Flanagan Park serves as a historical and sentimental anchor, solidifying the Slaton Family connection and contributions to the area. The naming of this shelter would serve as a tribute to the historical and ongoing connection that the Slaton Family has to the City of Merced and honor the commitment to helping shape the community.
Application Review
Applications for naming or renaming of parks, recreation areas, and facilities should be carried out in accordance with Administrative Policy and Procedure A-20. The Director of Parks and Community Services has reviewed the application and referenced support of the application in the Criteria Section stating:
“The Policy of the City of Merced is to name parks, recreation areas, and facilities…utilizing established criteria emphasizing community values and character, local history, geography, environment, civics, and service unique to the community of Merced.”
The Director found each of these criteria evident in the application and within testimony given at the public hearing held by the Recreation and Parks Commission. A specific term within the resolution of the City of Merced to receive the land from Merced County requires the City retain the name of the park as Ray Flanagan Park. However, historical precedence has been set by the City of Merced to allow for the consideration of naming features within parks, separate from the park itself. Examples include the Rossotti Ed-Zoo-Cation Center at Applegate Park, the Kirk Wright Memorial Playground at McNamara Park, and Aletha June Playground at General Vang Pao Park.
Public Hearing
The Recreation and Parks Commission held a public hearing on September 25, 2023 at which members of the Slaton Family, including applicant Mr. Tony Slaton were in attendance. There was no public comment requesting reconsideration of the application. The Recreation and Parks Commission voted unanimously to recommend City Council to name the picnic shelter at Ray Flanagan Park, the Slaton Family Shelter.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed. Any signage associated with the renaming will need to be paid for by the applicant and or supporting parties.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Tony Slaton Application
2. Administrative Policy A-20
3. Presentation