Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks and Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Naming Application Submitted by Lennar Homes in Support of Lyons Family Park in the Merced Gateway Subdivision off of Campus Parkway
REPORT IN BRIEF
An application has been received to consider naming the park in the Merced Gateway subdivision off of Campus Parkway being developed by Lennar Homes. The application received suggests naming the site Lyons Family Park. 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.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion supporting the recommendation to name the Park Lyons Family Park.
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 2026-2027 Goals and Priorities.
DISCUSSION
Background on Lyons Family: The Lyons family is a 103-year-old, farming/ranching family that has been engaged in the City of Merced for over 60 years through farming and industrial warehousing. Mr. Lyons served on Governor, Gray Davis' cabinet as the lead for the California Department of Agriculture and was a senior advisor for agriculture and water for Governor, Gavin Newsom.
Civic Involvement: The Lyons family has been actively engaged in the Merced Area for years, from the Merced Boosters to the Merced Fair, and to the Merced Farm Bureau. The Lyons family was a major supporter in the effort of locating the U.C. campus in the City of Merced and developing both, the Campus Parkway and Mission Avenue interchange.
Connection to Facility: A portion of land being dedicated is being purchased from the Lyons Family.
Reason for Nomination: The Lyons Family is a pilar of the Community with long standing roots and a deep connection to the land.
Additional Comments: The Lyons family has a long tradition of involvement in the City of Merced and has a large footprint with over 900,000 feet of warehousing, and almost 500 acres within the city limits of Merced. They plan to support the local Community for many years to come. Additional details on the historical contributions and achievements of the namesake provided by the applicant are attached as supporting documents.
The Family of the namesake have supplied a letter in support of the developers request.
Procedure for Park Naming: AS detailed in Administrative Policy A-20, park naming should be reflective of contributions to parks, City, or recreational operations or developments. Commissioners will review the naming application through a public hearing and evaluate the application by the tool included in Policy A-20. A motion to recommend the formal adoption of the park naming will be taken to City Council for formal adoption at a later date.
Staff have no reservations related to this naming application.
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. Administrative Policy A-20
2. Lions Family Park Rendering
3. Merced Gateway Park Naming Application