February 15, 2022
City Council
DATE: February 15, 2022
TO: Mayor Butt and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Nathaniel Bates
Councilmember Melvin Willis
Subject:
Rename Baseball Diamond #2 at Nicholl Park in Honor of
National Hero Willie Mays and Proclaim May 6th as Willie Mays Day
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Per the response of the Parks and Landscaping Superintendent, the cost to replace signage at Nicholl
Park and to update the website is minimal and included
in their operating budget.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
There has been no action previously taken by the City
Council.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Recreation & Parks Commission approved a request
from the Park Plaza Neighborhood Council and the South
Side Improvement Group Plus One to rename Diamond
#2 at Nicholl Park to Willie Mays Baseball Field and to Proclaim May 6th as Willie Mays Day.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE a request to rename Baseball Diamond Field
#2 at Nicholl Park to Willie Mays Baseball Field; and
ADOPT a Resolution of Intent to set a public hearing for March 1, 2022 - Councilmembers Nathaniel Bates (510-
620-6743) and Melvin Willis (510- 412-2050).
AGENDA
REPORT
February 15, 2022
DISCUSSION:
In June of 2015, Mr. Charles Cavness made a request to nominate Baseball Great, Willie Mays for a Recognition of Heroes at Nicholl Park. Willie Howard Mays, Jr. is an American former professional baseball center fielder who played Major League Baseball for 22 seasons. Willie Mays, also known as “The Say Hey Kid”, played for the New York and San Francisco Giants, the New York Mets, as well as the Birmingham Black Barons in the Negro Baseball League.
As a local hero, Willie Mays came to Richmond each year for 10 years to participate in the March of Dimes charitable events at Nicholl Park. Along with other national league players, Willie Mays would work with the little league teams. Mayor Livingston and Richmond residents alike were excited to participate in the activities and to see baseball heroes.
At its October 6, 2021 regular meeting, the Recreation and Parks Commission received a report from the Willie Mays Field Committee to approve the establishment of a Willie Mays Day and to rename Baseball Diamond #2 after Willie Mays. The Committee informed the Recreation and Parks Commission of the support from several neighborhood councils. After hearing from speakers, the Recreation and Parks Commission approved the request and recommended that it be forwarded to the Richmond City Council for approval.
Community Supporters
Park Plaza Neighborhood Council
Pullman Neighborhood Council
Laurel Park Neighborhood Council
North and East Neighborhood Council
Hilltop Neighborhood Council and
The South Side Improvement Group Pls One
The Resolution of Intent describes the intention of the Richmond City Council to approve the request to rename Baseball Diamond #2 at Nicholl Park to Willie Mays Baseball Field, to proclaim May 6th as Willie Mays Day in the City of Richmond, and to schedule a Public Hearing to receive public comment. Unless otherwise noticed, a Public Hearing will be scheduled for March 1, 2022.
Upon approval, staff will work with the Recreation and Parks Commission to plan the Willie Mays Day in May of 2022 and keep the City Council informed of the progress.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution of Intent
Attachment 2 – Re-Naming Nomination Form
Attachment 3 – 12/6/2021 Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting Minutes