Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks and Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Public Hearing in Consideration of Application to Name the Stage in Bob Hart Square Plaza
REPORT IN BRIEF
Requesting Commissions consideration of the application for naming the Stage in Bob Hart Square Plaza, Merced Rotary Stage
RECOMMENDATION
Recreation and Parks Commission/ Selection Committee- Adopt a motion in consideration of the proposed Facility naming application by Merced Rotary Club to name the Stage in Bob Hart Square Plaza, Merced Rotary Stage.
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 contribution of $50,000 to the City of Merced to supporting ongoing artistic performances in the Bob Hart Square Plaza. This funding would be used to cover cost associated with City Sponsored Downtown Concert Series performance for approximately 5 years at $10,000 per year. This rate aligns with current research being carried out by staff in order to set naming right rates for additional City venues. Naming rights would be revisited in 5 years for the potential to assess the groups ongoing interest in supporting the arts in this venue.
The City follows Policy A-20 to structure and consider park and recreation facility naming applications. The policy details that the Recreation & Parks Commission an...
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