EVANSTON Policy and Procedures for Naming of Parks

EVANSTON Policy and Procedures for Naming of Parks and Recreational Facilities Lawrence C. Hemingway Director March 1, 2021 Parks & Recreation 1

Purpose for the Policy • To establish policies and procedures for renaming parks and facilities. • These policies and procedures are intended to guide any individual or community group that is interested in having a park, building, or major feature named for a significant individual, event, or place. Parks & Recreation 2

Policy Highlights for Renaming • 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. • 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. There are occasions when, upon the request of the donor, another party, or the Department itself, and extraordinary gift may be acknowledged by naming. Parks & Recreation 3

Procedures for Renaming • The petition should state the reasons for the proposed name. • The petition should show community support for the proposed name. • The petition should contain a description and/or map depiction of the boundaries of the Park or Building to be named or renamed. • The petition may only be signed by individuals residing in the City of Evanston. • The petition should clearly and legibly show the name, address and telephone number of each signer. • 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. Parks & Recreation 4

Discussion Comments and Questions Parks & Recreation 5