Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks and Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Consideration of Recommendation of Recreation and Parks Commission to Honor the Request to Name the Stage in Bob Hart Square Plaza, Merced Rotary Stage
REPORT IN BRIEF
Requesting Council’s consideration of the application for naming the Stage in Bob Hart Square Plaza, Merced Rotary Stage; accepting and appropriating a one-time contribution of $50,000.
RECOMMENDATION
Council- Adopt a motion:
A. Requesting Council’s consideration of the proposed Facility naming application by Merced Rotary Club to name the Stage in Bob Hart Square Plaza to Merced Rotary Stage; and,
B. Accepting a contribution of $50,000 from Merced Rotary Club, increase revenue in Fund 5000-Parks and Community Service CIP and appropriating the same to CP220073 Bob Hart Square Expansion for the betterment of the plaza.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion)
DISCUSSION
Background
The Parks and Community Services Department was contacted by Brenda Callahan Johnson and Barbara Ward, President of Merced Rotary Club about the Clubs interest in supporting Art and Culture performances in the new Bob Hart Square Plaza. The proposal submitted included naming the stage in Bob Hart Square Plaza, the Merced Rotary Stage in consideration of a 100-year tradition of the Merced Rotary’s support of downtown Merced and local recreational assets across the City.
In addition, Merced Rotary Club is proposing a one-time contribution of $50,000 to the City of Merced for supporting the use of the stage and plaza. In addition, Merced Rotary is interested in donating annually to support ongoing artistic performances in the Bob Hart Square Plaza, referred to as “Concerts on the Square”. This agreement would be brought back at another date for Councils Consideration or information. This application is for permanent naming of the stage in Bob Hart Square.
The City follows Policy A-20 to structure and consider park and recreation facility naming applications. The policy details that the Recreation & Parks Commission and two sitting Council members will form the “Selection Committee” in order to evaluate applications and make a recommendation to City Council based on their findings.
Process
City staff shall review the written proposal for adherence to the stated criteria and authentication of statements relative to contributions in the case of an individual before forwarding the request to the Recreation and Parks Commission and the Selection Committee of Commissioners and City Council members.
The Recreation and Parks Commission/Selection Committee (s) offered the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming at a published public hearing on March 3rd, 2026.
The Recreation and Parks Commission/Selection Committee (s) reviewed the proposal according to the criteria establish in Policy A-20 and is forwarding their recommendation (s) to the City Council for the final decision.
The Commission Subcommittee reviewed the application and is recommending Council confirm their recommendation and name the Stage in Bob Hart Square, Merced Rotary Stage and appropriate the $50,000 to be designated towards supporting the plaza amenities and the City sponsored Concert on the Square performances.
IMPACT ON CITY FINANCES
Accepting and appropriating one-time contribution funding of $50,000 from Merced Rotary Club in Fund 5000-Parks and Community Service CIP, Project CP220073, to be used by Parks & Community Services for the betterment of the plaza and Stage in Bob Hart Square in support of ongoing performances.
Recommendation B requires five affirmative votes for approval.
ATTACHMENTS
1. A-20 Parks and Facilities Naming Policy
2. Naming Application
3. Merced Rotary Club Donation Acceptance Form
4. Bob Hart Square- Merced Rotary Stage Naming
5. Donation Acceptance Agreement