HomeMy WebLinkAbout031-R-21 Adoption of Parks and Recreation Facility Naming Policy2/17/2021
31-R-21
A RESOLUTION
Approval of the City of Evanston Parks and Recreation Department's
Facilities Naming Policy
WHEREAS, the City of Evanston's Parks and Recreation Board
recognizes that the naming and renaming of City parks and recreational facilities is a
complex and often emotionally challenging endeavor because naming is a permanent
and powerful identity for a public place; and
WHEREAS, approval of naming and renaming requests is a prestigious
and careful process, which involves the Evanston Parks and Recreation Board and the
Evanston City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City of Evanston's Parks and Recreation Board desires to
establish clear guidelines and provide criteria for the naming and renaming of new and
existing parks and recreational facilities within the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS THAT:
SECTION 1: The City Council hereby adopts the "Policy and Procedures
for Naming of Parks and Recreational Facilities" as Exhibit A.
SECTION 2: Resolution 31-R-21 shall be in full force and effect
from and after its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.
31-R-21
OL"'k m\�
Stephen H. Hagerty, Mayor
Attest: Appro
ved as to form:
C�
Devon Reid, City Clerk Kelley A. Gandurski, Corporation
Counsel
Adopted: March 8 , 2021
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31-R-21
EXHIBIT A
Policy and Procedures for Naming of Parks and Recreational Facilities
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Policv and Procedures for Naming of Parks and Recreational Facilities
Contents
Policy
1.0 Purpose
2.0 Definitions
3.0 Authority
4.0 Background and Principles
5.0 Procedures for Community or Citizen Requests to Name or Rename a Park or Building.
6.0 Procedures for Community Requests to Name or Rename Major Features.
7.0 Procedures for Community Requests to Name or Rename Major Features associated with
Major Gifts.
8.0 Sample Petition to the Evanston Parks and Recreation Board
Policy
It is the policy of Evanston Parks and Recreation (EPR) Department that the naming of new and
renaming of existing parks and recreational facilities be reserved for exceptional circumstances and
that the naming process comply with the guidelines and procedures set forth in this policy.
1.0 Purpose
These policies and procedures are intended to guide a) any individual or community group that is
interested in having a park, building, or major feature named for a significant individual, event, or place;
b) any individual , group or business that is interested in having their significant donation (park, building,
major feature) named; c) the EPR Board that will be making a recommendation to the City Council in
regard to these requests; d) City Council members that may be holding public hearings and approving
any Ordinances associated with the names of parks and buildings; and e) the EPR Director and his/her
staff.
2.0 Definitions
2.1 The City of Evanston Department of Parks and Recreation shall hereinafter be referred to as "the
Department."
2.2 "Parks and Recreation Facilities" will include the following:
2.2.1 Parks. All Traditional designed parks, natural open spaces, historic sites, golf
courses, specialized parks (e.g. Skate Park), and trails under the department's
jurisdiction or management.
2.2.2 Buildings. Significant park and recreation structures that house parks and
recreational programs (e.g. recreation centers, enclosed pavilions, lodges, etc.).
2.2.3 Major Features. Major, permanent components of park and recreational
facilities, e.g. ball fields, swimming pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, fountains,
artwork or physical features. Rooms within buildings are considered to be major
features.
2.3 Amenities. Smaller furnishings and facilities in the parks and recreation system (e.g. benches, small
fountains, tables, etc.). Amenities are not formally named. Recognition for donated amenities is
covered under the EPR Gift Policy.
3.0 Authority
Under the Evanston City Code, the management, operation and control of all facilities owned by the City
of Evanston for park and recreational purposes are under the exclusive control of the City. Under Title 7,
Chapter 9 of the City Code, the EPR Board reviews and advises the City Council with respect to the policy
and operations of EPR Department.
4.0 Background and Principles
Naming or renaming parks and recreational facilities in the City is often complex and emotionally
evocative since naming is a powerful and permanent identity for a public place. The names of Parks,
Buildings, and Major Features tell the important stories of Evanston's history. In addition, Evanston has
limited public resources for changing names on signs, maps, and literature, and excessive naming of
individual features in parks and recreational facilities and may be confusing to the public. Approval of
naming requests is a prestigious, cautious process that typically involves the'EPR Board, and the City
Council. Consequently, the process for naming or renaming these public places needs to be carefully
and thoughtfully undertaken and only when appropriate.
The policy of the Department is to reserve the naming or renaming of parks and recreational facilities to
those circumstances which tradition and practice have shown to best serve the interests of the City and
assure a worthy and enduring legacy for the City's parks and recreation system. To this end, the
Department supports consideration of naming requests in the following three broad categories:
Exceptional Individuals. _ Sometimes recognition of an exceptional city leader or a dedicated
supporter of the City parks and recreation system can result in a community supported
renaming of an existing or naming of a new park or recreation facility.
Historic Events, Places, and Individuals. The history of a major event or place or historic
individuals can play an important role in the naming or renaming of parks and recreational
facilities. The public often expresses a strong desire to preserve and honor the history of the
City, its founders, pioneers, and other historical figures, and its local landmarks and prominent
geographical locations by giving certain parks and recreational facilities names of historic, social
and cultural significance. Evanston also has established ties to a number of international cities
through the Evanston Sister Cities Program.
Major Gifts. The City and the Department have benefited from a rich legacy of community
generosity. Over the decades Evanston residents and business have given gifts of their time and
skills, their resources and product, and their money. Public and private foundations also have
invested deeply in the parks and recreation system. There are occasions when, upon the
request of the donor, another party, or the Department itself, and extraordinary gift may be
acknowledged by naming.
4.1 General Principles. In considering any proposal to name or rename a Park, Building, or Major
Feature, the following questions should be considered individually and collectively:
a) Will the names have historical, cultural and social significance for generations to come?
b) Will the name engender a strong and positive image?
c) Will the name memorialize or commemorate people, places or events that are of enduring
importance to the community or the nation?
d) Will the name engender significant ties of friendship and mutual recognition and support
within the community or with those outside of the community?
e) Will the name be identified with some major achievement or the advancement of the public
good within the community or the nation?
f) Will the name be particularly suitable for the park or recreational facility based on the
location or history of the park, recreational facility or the surrounding neighborhood?
g) Will the name have symbolic value that transcends its ordinary meaning or use and enhance
the character and identity of the park or recreational facility?
h) Will the naming request that accompanies a corporate gift result in the undue
commercialization of the park or recreational facility?
4.2 Renaming Parks and Recreational Facilities. Proposals to rename parks and recreational facilities
are not encouraged and should be entertained only after the EPR Board and Department fully
investigate and consider the potential impact of changing the current name. Names that have
become ingrained or widely accepted in the community should not be abandoned unless there are
compelling reasons and strong public sentiment for doing so. Historical or commonly -used place
names should be preserved wherever possible.
4.3 Naming or Renaming for Exceptional Individuals. The following guidelines apply to naming or
renaming requests that result from either a community process or major gift.
4.3.1 Naming of parks and recreational facilities after an individual is encouraged only
posthumously. Typically, such naming after an individual should not occur until
that individual has been deceased for at least seven (7) years and the individual'
historical significance and good reputation have been secured in the history and
lore of the community or the nation.
4.3.2 Priority for naming parks and recreational facilities after deceased individuals
should be given in the following order to those who have significant and lasting
contribution: 1) to the Evanston_parks and recreation system; 2) to the City; or
3) to the nation. Naming Parks and Buildings after national or international
figures should be rare and only upon a substantial demonstration of the figure's
connection to or special importance in the Evanston community or the State of
Illinois.
4.3.3 Naming of Parks and Recreational Facilities after individuals or a group of
individuals who perish in or survive a tragic event or war, should be considered
only well after the public shock generated by the tragic event or war has
lessened so that no less than 10 years have passed after the event. Potential
sites for such memorials should be focused on parks or recreational facilities
that are more known for their serene and contemplative nature rather than
active recreational locations, such as playing fields and recreation centers.
Emphasis should be placed on the contributions or heroic actions of these
individuals during their lifetime, rather than the circumstances of their death or
survivorship.
4.4 Naming and Renaming for Historic Events, Places, and Individuals. When a park or recreational
facility is located near or otherwise associated with events, places, and people of historic, cultural,
or social significance, it is appropriate to consider naming such park or recreational facility after such
events, places, and people. The relationship of the park or recreational facility to the events, places,
and people of historic, cultural or social significance should be demonstrated through research and
documentation. The appropriateness of naming the park or recreational facility after such an event,
place, or people is further supported if the residents of Evanston or the surrounding neighborhood
have already identified the park or recreational facility with the name of the event, place, or people.
4.5 Naming and Renaming for Major Gifts. Typically, the donation of gifts to the Evanston parks and
recreation system should be reward in itself, with recognition being given as set forth in the EPR Gift
Policy. On a rare occasion, a gift will be made to the City of a parks and recreational facility that is of
such magnitude and generosity that naming of such new park or recreation facility is honor of or at
the request of the benefactor will be considered. Any request to rename an existing park or facility
that associated with a major gift to expand or refurbish that park or facility must meet the
guidelines in 4.2 and is discouraged.
4.5.1 Threshold. As a guideline but not a limitation, the threshold for naming rights
on Parks and Buildings would include one or preferably more of the following: 1)
deeding to the City most if not all of the land on which the Park or Building to be
named will be situated; 2) payment of one-half or more of the capital costs of
constructing a Park or a Building to be named (depending on the availability of
matching funds or grants); some long-term endowment for the repair and
maintenance of the donated Park or Building; and 4) the provision of significant
program costs for facilities that will serve Parks and Recreation program needs.
Likewise, as a guideline but not a limitation, the threshold for naming rights on
Major Features would include one or preferably more of the following: 1)
payment of the capital costs for constructing and installing a Major Feature; 2)
some long-term endowment for the repair and maintenance of the donated
Major Feature; and 3) the provision of significant program cost for any Major
Feature giving rise to or supporting a Parks and Recreation program.
4.5.2 Other Requirements. In no case shall naming or renaming be considered unless
the major gift is deemed acceptable in accordance with the EPR Gift Policy and
ultimately satisfies the City Code requirements of EPR.
4.5.3 Naming for Individuals. Benefactors seeking naming rights for major gifts will be
encouraged to follow the guidelines in section 4.3 herein with respect to naming
of Parks and Buildings after individuals. A Major Feature that has been donated
or refurbished may be named for a living individual(s) provided that said
individual(s) is of good reputation. Whatever contract accompanies that gift
and naming rights should address all conditions applying to the naming,
including time limits for naming of features, parks or buildings. However, in
addition, the City reserves the right to rename any Park, Building or Major
Feature if the individual for whom it is named does not further the City's goals
of renaming as previously stated herein. The EPR Board will seek public input in
any manner deemed appropriate for naming under this subsection.
4.5.4 Naming for Entities. A corporation, association, and other legally created entity
making a major gift may request that the name of that entity be associated with
the name of the Park, Building, or Major Feature which is the subject of the
major gift. Each request is evaluated on its own merits and requires public
input. In making a recommendation for a corporate name, the reputation of the
company and community support should be considerations. No corporate
logos, brands, insignias, or direct advertising text may be used as part of any
name association or naming. As noted in 4.2, renaming of any existing Park or
Building is a discouraged event when it is associated with a major enhancement
gift. The City reserves the right to remove an entity name association on a Park
or Building or to rename a Major Feature if the entity for whom it is named does
not further the City's goals of renaming as previously stated herein.
4.6 Other Considerations.
4.6.1 Typically, a Park should not be subdivided for the purposes of naming unless
there are readily -identifiable physical divisions (major roads, waterways, etc.) in
the Park and other compelling reasons for having more than one name for a
Park. This limitation on naming a Park should not prevent giving a different
name for a trail, Building, or Major Feature located in or near the Park.
However, care should be taken in giving a name to a trail, Building, or Major
Feature that is different from the name of the Park so that confusion is not
caused for the users of said differently named facilities.
4.6.2 Facilities that are held by the City through a short-term lease or use agreement
or improvements that have a limited life span or occupancy should not be
named.
4.6.3 All signs on parks and recreational facilities must meet the City's graphic and
signage standards. No specialized signage will be displayed.
4.6.4 If a new park or building is completed and no suggestion for a name has come
from the community or in association with a gift, the EPR Board will recommend
a name, using any organized public process (i.e. nominations, contest, etc.) that
the EPR Board decides upon.
5.0 Procedures for Community or Resident Requests to Name or Rename a Park
or Building.
5.1 Applicants Process. An applicant must complete a petition and make a presentation to the EPR
Board to recommend naming or renaming a park or recreational facility. Applicants should refer to
section 4.0 of this Policy to ensure that the request meets the criteria for proposed names. Details
of the process include:
• Written notification to the EPR Director's office to start the process. It should include a
condensed version of the reasons for the request. Those 2-3 sentences will be included in the
petition language and template prepared by the Department. The petitions can be picked up,
mailed, or emailed.
Evanston Parks and Recreation Board
clo Evanston Parks and Recreation Department Director
Robert Crown Center, 1701 Main St. Evanston, iL 60201
847-448-4311
• A request to the appropriate City Council member or the EPR Director's Office (847-448-4311)
for the name of his or her Parks and Recreation Board member. Residents should work closely
with the EPR Board and keep the appropriate Council Member informed.
• A formal filing of the petitions with the EPR Board as soon as the necessary signatures have
been gathered. Registered Neighborhood Associations (RNO's) will be notified of the proposed
action by the EPR Board no less than 14 days before any further action is taken by the EPR Board
or Department. The following criteria for the petition must be met:
a) The petition should state the reasons for the proposed name.
b) The petition should show community support for the proposed name. .
c) The petition should contain a description and/or map depiction of the boundaries of the
Park or Building to be named or renamed.
d) The petition may only be signed by individuals residing in the City of Evanston.
e) The petition should clearly and legibly show the name, address and telephone number of
each signer.
f) The number of signatures required to proceed through the process shall be a minimum of
two -hundred fifty (250) signatures. Only Evanston residents over the age of 18 years of age
shall be qualified to be counted as a legitimate signature on such petitions.
g) The individual or group should file the petition with the EPR Director within ninety (90) days
of receipt of the forms from the EPR Board, unless the Director grants in writing additional
time for submitting the completed petition.
• A formal request to the Director's Office that the proposal be put on the agenda for the next
possible EPR Board meeting. Notice to all Registered Neighborhood Associations (RNO's) of the
meeting.
• A formal presentation to the EPR Board of the naming or renaming proposal.
5.2 EPR Board Action:
• Within forty-five (45) days after the completed petitions are filed, the EPR Board will determine
whether or not to recommend the proposed new name to the Evanston City Council.
• The EPR Board will not recommend a proposed name to the City Council unless the criteria set
forth in section 4.0 are met. An affirmative vote of a majority of the EPR Board is necessary to
recommend approval of a new name.
5.3 Naming Ordinance:
• After the EPR Board takes action (if the vote if favorable), the Department will request an
ordinance for the naming/renaming (the "Naming Ordinance"). The applicant should keep in
contact with the Department to track that process. RNOs will be notified by the Department
within 7 days of the EPR Board taking such affirmative action.
• After the Naming Ordinance is written, the Department will take it to the assigned City Council
Committee. The applicant should attend and be prepared to speak briefly about the request at
that meeting. Other Interested individuals can be invited to attend as well.
• If the Naming Ordinance is deemed acceptable, the assigned City Council Committee then sends
the Naming Ordinance to City Council for introduction (Vt Reading) and a vote (2nd Reading). A
public hearing is strongly recommended and the City Council Member whose ward the park is
located in should request it at the Vt reading and the applicant will need to coordinate speakers.
The City Council shall determine the appropriate time, place and procedure for any public
hearing to be held under this subsection. After the 2"d reading and any public hearing, City
Council will vote on the Ordinance.
6.0 Procedures for Community Requests to Name or Rename Major Features
• The same petition and EPR Board procedures for Naming Parks and Buildings (Section 5.) apply
to Major Features.
7.0 Procedures for the Naming and Renaming of Parks, Buildings and Major
Features Associated with Major Gifts
• The EPR Director will submit a proposal to the EPR Board for the naming or renaming of any
Park, Building, or Major Feature that is associated with a major gift to the City and the
Department. A petition process is not necessary. Registered Neighborhood Association (RNO's)
will be notified of the proposed action and EPR Board meeting by the Department no less than
10 days before any EPR Board meeting at which any such naming or renaming shall be
considered .
• For naming or renaming a Park or a Building, City Council approval through a Naming Ordinance
is required following a favorable recommendation by the EPR Board. A Public Hearing is
strongly recommended.
• The process for City Council approval of any proposed naming or renaming herein shall be the
same as described in Section 5.3 above
8.0 Sample Petition to the Parks and Recreation Board
In accordance with the procedure established by the Evanston Parks and Recreation Board, the
undersigned hereby petitions the EPR Board to recommend the naming of park between Ivanhoe Street
and Jersey Street, NORTH OF 10T" Avenue approximately 300' "MAYFAIR PARK". In Support of this
petition, each of the undersigned affirms and states:
1. That he/she resides in the City of Evanston (at time of signature)
2. That the reasons for the proposed name areas follows:
"In honor of the Neighborhood (Mayfair) that surrounds the park and its residents who
worked for more than 20 years to make this park a reality. The park will be a continuing
tribute to both the neighborhood and its residents"
3. That there is community support for the proposed name as illustrated by the signatures below:
Sample Petition:
NAME STREET ADDRESS ZIP PHONE NO. DATE
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