March 1, 2022
City Council
DATE: March 1, 2022
TO: Mayor Butt and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Nathaniel Bates
Subject:
Rename Baseball Diamond #2 at Nicholl Park in Honor of
National Hero Willie Mays
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 the Parks and Landscaping operational budget.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
The City Council approved the recommendation of the
Recreation and Parks Commission to rename Baseball
Diamond #2 to the Willie Mays Baseball Field at the
2/15/2022 City Council meeting.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City Council and 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
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PUBLIC HEARING to receive public comment on a
proposal to rename Baseball Diamond Field #2 at Nicholl Park to Willie Mays Baseball Field; and ADOPT a
resolution - Councilmember Nathaniel Bates (510-620-
6743).
AGENDA
REPORT
March 1, 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 Mayor 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 December 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 full 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 Plus One
The resolution describes the steps taken to rename the baseball diamond. 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
Attachment 2 – Notice of Public Hearing