M&C Review


COUNCIL ACTION:  Approved on 12/12/2017 

DATE: 12/12/2017 REFERENCE NO.: G-19196 LOG NAME: 80DAVISPARK
CODE: G TYPE: NON-CONSENT PUBLIC HEARING: NO
SUBJECT:  

Authorize Renaming of Jefferson Davis Park to Parque Unidad/Unity Park (COUNCIL DISTRICT 9)  


RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the City Council authorize the renaming of Jefferson Davis Park to Parque Unidad/Unity Park.

 
DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this Mayor and Council Communication is to authorize the renaming of Jefferson Davis Park to Parque Unidad/Unity Park.

The Park and Recreation Advisory Board (Board) reviewed on September 27, 2017 and discussed Information Item V.C. Renaming of Jefferson Davis Park. The Information Item and Staff briefing provided an overview of the original park acquisition in 1923; the fact that there were no deed restrictions nor official records designating the park name; synopsis of the online proposal petition to rename the park; overview of meeting held with designated renaming proponents and presentation of the four recommended names received (two were a combined couple) from the proponents; and summary of the Park and Recreation Department Park and Facility Naming Policy and the City Council Policy for Naming of City Owned Facilities.

The Board concurred that the recommended names submitted did not meet the criteria specified in the department policy i.e. the recommended name must be received posthumously and must be accompanied by a biographical sketch which shall provide evidence of contributions to the park, facility or park system overall. A majority of the Board did agree that the name of the park should be changed and there was consensus to rename the park "Parque Unidad/Unity Park".

At the Board's request Staff issued notice of the proposed name change to Rosemont neighborhood association and individuals who had previously expressed interest. In addition, public notice of the proposed name change was published in the newspaper in English and Spanish on October 12, 2017. See attached.

The Board asked that the item be presented for consideration and action at their October 25, 2017 meeting. By virtue of this request the Board chose to waive the Park Facility and Naming Policy notice and publication period from 90 days to one month in order to expedite submittal of the Board's recommendation to the City Council.

Summary of Naming Proposals Received:

In response to the public notice, the Park and Recreation Department (PARD) received (10) emails regarding the renaming of Jefferson Davis Park. Seven emails were against the renaming of Jefferson Davis Park, although one of the emails provided a suggestion if it were to be renamed. Three emails were for the renaming and provided suggestions. The following were suggestions that were submitted:

Parque Unidad/Unity Park

Officer Patricio "Patrick" Zamarripa

Parque de los Niños/Children's Park

For a park to be named after an individual, they must have contributed significantly to the acquisition or development of the individual park or facility or provided a service in the interest of the park system as a whole. The individual names suggested do not meet the stipulations in the naming policy.

On October 25, 2017, the Board unanimously approved Action Item No. VIII.C. Endorse Recommendation for the Renaming of Jefferson Davis Park to Parque Unidad/Unity Park.

Park History:

On October 10, 1923, the City of Fort Worth purchased property from J. W. and Odella Draughon for the sum total of $12,500.00. The property deed specified that the owners were selling the property to the City for "the use and benefit of its Park Department". Other than the request that all taxes, State, County and City be cancelled for the year 1923, and for the years thereafter, there were no other requirements specified in the deed of sale, including what the park should be named.

The purchase was approved by the Board of Park Commissioners on October 16, 1923. On November 25, 1923, a newspaper article reporting that work on the park would begin, first referenced that the park was named in recognition of the president of the confederacy. The first reference of the park name appeared in the February 20, 1924 Park Board meeting minutes wherein "the Park Superintendent was authorized to sell the lots adjacent to Jeff Davis Park at a minimum price of $250.00 each, cash". In the 1930 report, "A Comprehensive Park System for Fort Worth Texas, Report to the Board of Park Commissioners by Hare & Hare Landscape Architects and City Planners", the property was listed in the park system inventory as Jefferson Davis Park. The park has been listed under this name since. A review of PARD and City records has concluded that no documentation exists authorizing the official naming of the park.

In 1991, portions of Bolt and Gordon streets were vacated. The park, which is classified as a neighborhood park, was platted into a single lot resulting in the current 8.57 acre park. See attached map.

Jefferson Davis Park is located in COUNCIL DISTRICT 9.

This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
 
FISCAL INFORMATION/CERTIFICATION:

The Director of Finance certifies that this action will have no material effect on City Funds.

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Submitted for City Manager's Office by:
Susan Alanis (8180)
Originating Department Head:
Richard Zavala (5704)
Additional Information Contact:
Sandra Youngblood (5755)

 
 
ATTACHMENTS
  Jefferson Davis Park map.pdf
  Public Notice - Jefferson Davis Park English and Spanish.pdf