REPORT TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Recommendation to City Council on Naming New City Park at One Redwood Place (Previous AMD site)
Report
BACKGROUND
As part of the conditions of approval for the residential development project knowns as “One Redwood Place”, located at One AMD Drive, the Developer (The Irvine Company) was required to construct and dedicate a 6.5-acre public park. Conditions of Approval can be found in Report to Planning Commission No. 18-9999. The construction of the park is partially completed. Punch list items and park dedication is expected to be completed by June 30, 2022.
The naming of a new park follows Council Policy 7.3.23 “Naming / Renaming Parks & Recreations Facilities” (Attachment 1). Staff conducts research to collect and submit names for review to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Parks and Recreation Commission reviews then submits a list of recommended names to the City Council.
The City Council is scheduled to consider this item on June 21, 2022.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.3.23 “Naming/Renaming Parks & Recreation Facilities.”
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
Naming Parks and Recreation facilities is the responsibility of the City Council. In accordance with Council Policy, the Parks and Recreation Commission is to review any name consideration first, and then make a recommendation to the City Council for naming a park. A list of suitable names for consideration is listed in Attachment 2. Staff researched the suggested names following the guidelines set forth in Council Policy 7.3.23. In doing so, staff consulted the Sunnyvale Historical Society for naming ideas. Names suggested by the Sunnyvale Historical Society have also been included in the list in Attachment 2.
The majority of City parks presently have the name of the planning district in which they
are located. Any new parks should follow the same pattern, if possible. Where this is not
possible, the following criteria should be given consideration in naming a park or facility
within a park:
1. Greatest consideration should be given to a name that has historical significance
to the City of Sunnyvale or is in some other way associated with a Sunnyvale
event, historical feature, or other community-related action.
2. Where open space has been purchased that was formerly school property or
adjoined a school, and the name of the school has community significance or
community recognition, consideration of the school name should be given in
naming the park.
3. Naming a park for a specific individual will only be considered if that individual
has made a significant contribution to the City of Sunnyvale. Names honoring
individuals or families of living persons must be supported by compelling
reasons.
4. Other name considerations will only be considered if one of the three above
criteria does not provide a suitable name.
5. Facilities within a park which have not otherwise been named by Council may be
provided identification signs by staff, limited to either the word “Sunnyvale” or
the Park’s official name, followed by a generic description of the facility. (e.g.
“Las Palmas Dog Park” or “Sunnyvale Skatepark”).
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to naming of the park. Operating costs for the
6.5-acre park will be addressed in the Parks operating budget.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Recommend no more than five names to move forward for consideration and selection by the City Council.
2. Do not recommend five names or less and provide other direction.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
There is no staff recommendation.
Staff
Prepared by: Jim Stark, Superintendent, Parks and Open Space
Reviewed by: Charles Taylor, Director, Public Works
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Council Policy 7.3.23 Naming / Renaming Parks & Recreation Facilities
2. List of Staff Derived Park Names