STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC 1
1/23/2024
JC
Date: January 23, 2024
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Sonya Patterson, Director of Parks, Arts, Recreation and Community Services Subject: Proposed El Dorado Park Renaming to Samaritan's Purse Park Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution No. 24-___, approving the renaming of El Dorado Park to Samaritan’s Purse Park.
Fiscal Impact:
None at this time.
Background:
The City received an application to rename El Dorado Park to Samaritan’s Purse Park from Dr.
Paul Chapel of Lancaster Baptist Church. Dr. Chapel provided the following justification for the facility naming:
“Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian organization providing humanitarian aid around the world. During the height of the pandemic is 2021, Samaritan’s Purse set up and operated a field hospital that saves dozens of lives and brought critical medical support to the people of Lancaster and Palmdale. Due to this crucial contribution to our Valley, and the lifesaving assistance Samaritan’s Purse Park is an appropriate way to commemorate the aid rendered to our citizens and to bring attention to the important work this organization continues to do every day.”
In accordance with the City’s Administrative Policy and Procedure Number 000-03 Facility Naming, the City published a notice of intent to rename the park in the Antelope Valley Press newspaper on December 12, 2023, and December 19, 2023. The notice invited public comment on the proposed name to Samaritan’s Purse Park, with comments on the proposed name to be submitted via email ( [email protected]) by January 11, 2024. Additionally, 1 5
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applications to propose a new name were available online at (www.cityoflancasterca.org/parkrenaming), and accepted through January 11, 2024.
No community input, nor alternative name proposals were received by the deadline. Given there were no community objections to the proposed facility name, as well as Samaritan’s Purse critical contribution to savings the lives of our residents, staff is proposing to approve the application to rename El Dorado Park to Samaritan’s Purse Park.
The proposed name embodies the organization’s commitment to improving the quality of life for people in need and helping people rebuild their lives. When the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the globe, Lancaster, California, was not spared. Lives were upended, and the healthcare system strained to its limits. It was in this moment of crisis that Samaritans Purse stepped forward, their unwavering resolve shining brightly. Partnering with the City of Lancaster and Antelope Valley Hospital, they swiftly established a 54-bed temporary field hospital. This lifeline became a beacon of hope for countless COVID patients, offering them the critical care they desperately needed.
Over 167 individuals walked through the doors of the Samaritan's Purse field hospital.
The tireless efforts of these Samaritans, both medical and lay, saved lives. They provided not just medical attention, but also a sense of comfort and human connection in a time of isolation and uncertainty.
Samaritans Purse, a Christian humanitarian organization, stands as a testament to the power of compassion and faith in action. Driven by their mission to alleviate suffering, they provide food, shelter, and other essential services to those caught in the throes of natural disasters and other hardships around the world.
The proposed renaming of El Dorado Park to Samaritan’s Purse Park is a fitting tribute to the organization that has made a significant and critical impact on our community, saving lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The name also reflects the unequivocal commitment to compassion and service Samaritan’s Purse shows globally, which are qualities aligned with the city’s commitment to its citizens.
SP:AC
Attachment:
Resolution
Application