BOB HART
SQUARE-
STAGE NAMING
A proposal submitted by
M
erced Rotary Club
1Attachment 4
HISTORY OF WORK
Downtown Planning
ARPA funded renovation
Downtown Anchor
Art and Culture District Designation
Park and Rec Facility Naming Policy- Recommended
Naming
Council Action Item
2 ARPA FUNDED
RENOVATIONS
ARPA funded investments
Downtown
adding parking to the area
reduce the number of street
closures
create community anchor for
events and celebrations
downtown
4/9/2026 Sample Footer Text 3
DOWNTOWN ANCHOR- BOB HART SQUARE
4 DOWNTOWN DESIGNATION
5 State of California has made
strides in supporting Art and
Cultural District designations
over past several years
Cultural Districts for 2026–2030,
bringing the total to 24 state-
recognized districts
Downtown Merced was one of 10
recently designated as a state
recognized Arts and Cultural
District
Bob Hart Square one of the
many highlights recognized
by the designation
PROPOSAL- MERCED
ROTARY
Merced Rotary has requested naming the
stage at Bob Hart Square- Merced Rotary
Stage
History in Merced
Have made significant investments in Recreational Spaces across Merced including Rahilly Park. Often known as the Downtown Merced Rotary as major supporters of business
downtown, looking for opportunity to make significant
investment in downtown spaces focused on arts and
entertainment.
One Time Committed Funding
Merced Rotary is proposing a one-time contribution $50,000 towards the plaza and Stage to support supportive amenities.
Ongoing Supportive Funding for City Sponsored
Performances
In addition, Merced Rotary will work with City staff on an agreement detailing annual contributions towards
performances on the Bob Hart Square stage. Those
agreements will be brought back at another time.
6 CITY OF MERCED- PROCESS
FOR NAMING PARKS AND
REC. FACILITIES
The City of Merced has a rich history of recognizing
commitments of individuals and or groups who has
supported parks and community services in various
capacities
Policy A-20 outlines the process to be used wen
reviewing proposals for naming such facilities.
Review Committee was established through
Recreation and Parks Commission
• Held Public Hearing on March 3rd
• Non opposition
• Recommending Council move forward with
Naming as proposed
7 REQUESTED
COUNCIL
ACTION
Adopt a motion
Approving the proposed
Facility Naming application by
Merced Rotary Club to name
the Stage in Bob Hart Square
Plaza, Merced Rotary Stage
Accept and appropriate
$50,000 from Merced Rotary
to Parks & Community
Services, projects to be
determined for Bob Hart
Square Plaza.
8