Report Prepared by: Lindsey Johnson, Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Request to Name the Splash Pad in Stephen Leonard Park
REPORT IN BRIEF
Request to name splash pad in Stephen Leonard Park after Marci Stenberg.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council- Adopt a motion approving the recommendation by the Recreation and Parks Commission/Selection Committee to name the splash pad in Stephen Leonard Park after Marci Stenberg.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by the Recreation and Parks Commission; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Recreation and Parks Commission (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Recreation and Parks Commission for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
Administrative Policies and Procedures, A-20, Procedures for Naming City Parks, Recreation Areas and Facilities and Redevelopment Agency Facilities.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2016-17 budget
DISCUSSION
The City of Merced has received a request from Victor Patton to name the splash pad in Stephen Leonard Park after the late Marci Stenberg, a beloved Sun-Star reporter. At a December 2016 City Council meeting, the Council appointed Jill McLeod and Josh Pedrozo to serve with the Recreation and Parks Commission as part of the Selection Committee.
On February 27, 2017, the Selection Committee held a public hearing on the proposed naming at the Recreation and Parks Commission meeting. Numerous people spoke in support of naming the splash pad after Marci Stenberg and no one spoke in opposition. Community members spoke of how Marci was the “eye of Merced’ capturing everything including crime scenes, kids’ activities, the growth and development of the City and community events. One community member shared that Marci often took sports pictures of kids for free who couldn’t afford to buy them from the team photographer. Marci is remembered for her enthusiasm, positive outlook and love for the community.
Following the public hearing, the Selection Committee unanimously voted to make a recommendation to City Council to approve the naming request. Since this is not a park or facility that the City would normally provide signage for, all costs associated with producing and placing signs would be the responsibility of the requesting party.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No impact on City resources.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Administrative Policy and Procedures for Naming City Parks
2. Application and Supporting Documents