Formal Naming of parkland located at 17281 Eucalyptus Lane as “Vella Park February 20, 2024
Resolution No. 2017-25Naming of City Parks,Park Features andCommunity Facilities
Resolution No. 2017-25
1. That the policies contained in this Resolution shall be instituted for the naming of City’s parks, park features and community facilities, and in some cases will recognize donations of furniture and park/play equipment and other amenities.
2. Not Pertinent – Naming of parks adjacent to schools.
3. Not Pertinent – Named in honor of donor.
4. That if the park is neither adjacent to a school nor donated, all or in part, it may be named after past Huntington Beach mayors who are no longer members of the City Council (“Former Mayors”). In addition, other individuals, including past council members, (or other names) may be proposed. The names of these persons may be considered when their unique contributions have had a City, state or national impact, are marked by excellence and are worthy of honor.
Resolution No. 2017-25
5. That in addition to parks, other community facilities such as lakes, park features of Huntington Central Park, structures (other than restrooms and benches), groves of trees, walkways, playing fields, group camp and picnic sites, gardens, play equipment areas, meadows, amphitheaters, vistas, bridges and wildlife refuges may be names after former mayors to honor them for their service to the City. In addition, other individuals, including past council members may be proposed when their unique contributions have had a City, state or national impact, are marked by excellence and are worthy of honor. In addition, other individuals or other names may be proposed.
6. That if a park, park feature or other community facility is to be named based on a finding of historical significance, in addition to review by the Community Services Commission, the City of Huntington Beach Historic Resources Board will be consulted prior to a recommendation from the Community Services Commission to City Council.
Resolution No. 2017-25
7. Not pertinent – Donated amenities, such as park benches.
8. Not pertinent – Paid sponsorship naming criteria.
9. That only one park, park feature or community facility shall be named for an individual.
10. That all recommendations for park/pier memorial naming be processed through the Community Services Commission which shall make a recommendation to the City Council for final approval or denial. City Council retains all authority to name a park, park features and community facilities without returning to the Community Services Commission.
Park Location
Located at 17281 Eucalyptus Lane, west of Graham Street, south of Warner Avenue, and bounded by the East Garden Grove Wintersburg Channel, the park is within the Parkside Estates Community, a Shea Homes development.
About the Parkland
This 1.7-acre neighborhood park consists of a playground area, walking paths, passive areas, picnic tables, bench seating, a picnic shelter, public art, and a restroom building.
Background of the Parkland
2018 – Shea Homes developed the Parkside Estates Community, which included a 1.7-acre park. 2019 – The Park was dedicated to the City and opened to the public in the summer 2019.
The Park became the 78th park in the City’s inventory.
The Park landscape is maintained by the HOA, while the hardscape, playground, picnic, and other equipment are maintained by the City. 2023 – In December, the public was notified of the naming opportunity through the HB Wave newspaper and 2,031 letters were delivered within a 1,500 ft. radius of the Park.
Park Naming & Memorials Committee
The Commission reactivated the Park Naming & Memorials Committee (PNMC) at the September 13, 2023 meeting.
The PNMC met on January 9, 2024, to review naming recommendations received through supplemental communications and public speakers. These included Frank Ciarelli, a past City employee who was instrumental in several citywide programs, the Tongva Native American Tribe, who once inhabited the area, and fallen Officer Nicholas Vella.
Park Naming & Memorials Committee
On February 7, 2024, the Commission unanimously approved to recommend the park be formally named “Vella Park.”
Recommended Action
Approve naming the parkland located at 17281 Eucalyptus Lane, “Vella Park,” in honor of fallen Officer Nicholas Vella.
Questions?
Monument Sign & Plaque Example