Safety, Wellness and Youth
Committee Memorandum
TO: SAFETY, WELLNESS AND YOUTH DATE: NOVEMBER 15, 2023
COMMITTEE
FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT SUBJECT: PROPOSED RENAMING OF EL DORADO PARK TO TIM STRACK PARK IN HONOR OF FALLEN RIVERSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAPTAIN TIM STRACK ISSUE:
The issue before the Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee is the proposed renaming of El Dorado Park to Tim Strack Park in honor of Fallen Riverside Fire Department Captain Tim Strack.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee supports the proposed renaming of El Dorado Park to Tim Strack Park and recommend the item be sent to the City Council.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
According to the established protocol for naming of parks and recreation facilities all names selected shall be acceptable and meaningful to a majority of the neighborhood/community where the park or recreation facility is located. Resolution No. 18647 (attachment 1) adopted by the City Council in February 1995 further stipulates as follows:
“A park or recreation facility can be named for a person only in limited situations. Such a person, except for cases deemed extraordinary by the Park and Recreation Commission, should be honored posthumously. The person for whom a park or recreation facility is named must be an outstanding, long-time City leader or a person of national prominence or historic interest who has supported or contributed to open space and/or recreation activities and concepts, or a person who has made a significant personal contribution toward the acquisition and/or development of a specific park or recreation facility. A donor whose contribution represents a major portioned of a planned park or recreation facility may designate a name as a condition of the donation, providing it conforms to the naming criteria set forth above.” BACKGROUND:
On September 21, 2023, Councilmember Perry’s Office held a public community meeting at Foothill Elementary School. During the meeting the proposal to rename El Dorado Park in honor of a local fallen firefighter from the City of Riverside garnered unanimous support. In addition, the community is excited about the new park improvements.
On September 28, 2023, Riverside City Firefighters’ Association (RCFA) President, Michael Detoy submitted a letter to request the renaming of El Dorado Park to the “Tim Strack Park”. The RCFA highlighted Tim’s 28 years of service to the community through fire service.
On October 1, 2023, resident Ana Martin submitted an application to support the renaming of El Dorado Park to Tim Strack Park. Her letter states Tim Strack led a life that revolved around public service and giving back to the community.
On October 16, 2023, the issue was brought before the City of Riverside Park and Recreation Commission to obtain their support and recommend the item be sent to the Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee.
DISCUSSION:
El Dorado Park is an 8.47-acre park that is tucked away in the Arlanza neighborhood. It is currently a passive park used by soccer players and residents that often stroll through the park walking their dogs. The origin of the name is not known but is Spanish for “The Golden”. Riverside City Firefighters’ Association (RCFA) President, Michael Detoy submitted a letter to request the renaming of El Dorado Park to the “Tim Strack Park”. The RCFA highlighted Tim’s 28 years of service to the community through fire service. The application also notes that renaming would honor Tim’s mission for strengthening the community by increasing safety and creating an environment where residents wanted to visit.
Per the City of Riverside Administrative Manual Policy 1.21.00 (attachment 2) when naming public facilities, the City Council and its advisory bodies shall consider specific criteria, including “commemorating individuals who have served the City in an exceptional manner with such honor bestowed posthumously…..The person must be an outstanding, long-time City leader or person of national prominence…..who has supported or contributed to the development or betterment of the community.” Riverside Fire Chief, Michael D. Moore, following statement is a testament to Captain Tim Strack’s leadership and service, as follows, “Captain Tim Strack served the City of Riverside Fire Department with honor for 28 years. Tim was a longtime selfless servant as the President of the Riverside City Firefighters’ Association, Local 1067, for 21 years and a voice for every frontline firefighter in the City of Riverside. He also represented firefighters across the State of California as he also served as Vice President for California Professional Firefighters. Tim was a long-term Riverside resident with his wife Wendy and now three college age adult children. He was often referred to as “Mr. Riverside,” because of his involvement in nearly every major City decision over the last two decades. As your Riverside Fire Chief and previous partner and friend of Fire Captain Tim Strack, I whole heartedly support this honor of renaming El Dorado Park to the name ‘Tim Strack Park’.” The Department is currently working with a contracted Design Consultant to complete construction documents for a park development project to be constructed in 2024. The El Dorado Park Development Project is funded through Measure Z, and American Rescue Plan Act.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The renaming contributes to Strategic Priority 2 – Community Well-Being, which aims to ensure safe and inclusive neighborhoods where everyone can thrive and Strategic Priority 5 – High Performing Government, which aims to provide world class public service that is efficient, accessible, and responsive to all.
Priority 2 – Community Wellbeing:
Goal 2.3: strengthen neighborhood identities and improve community health and the physical environment through amenities and programs that foster an increased sense of community and enhanced feelings of pride and belonging citywide, and Priority 5 – High Performing Government:
Goal 5.3: enhance communication and collaboration with community members to improve transparency, build public trust, and encourage shared decision-making.
The item aligns with the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – The PRCSD previously worked with the local community on the Park Master Plan design for El Dorado Park. Recently, additional input was requested regarding the themes, colors, equipment, and renaming of the park at a Councilmember community meeting.
Equity – PRCSD projects support the City’s racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, identity, geographic, and other attributes of diversity and is committed to advancing the fairness of treatment, recognition of rights, and equitable distribution of services and facilities to ensure every member of the community has equal access to share the benefits of community progress. The PRCSD strives to provide an equitable distribution of recreation amenities throughout the City.
Fiscal Responsibility – Grant funding, Measure Z funds, and other funding resources are being used for the development of the park.
Innovation – The El Dorado Park renaming is a collaboration with the residents of Riverside, as well as the Riverside Fire Department, and Riverside City Firefighters’ Association.
Sustainability & Resiliency – The El Dorado Park Development project helps the Department in meeting the needs of the future and ensuring the City’s capacity to persevere, adapt and grow during good and difficult times alike.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Prepared by: Pamela M. Galera, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachments:
Resolution No. 18647
City of Riverside Naming/Renaming Policy
Renaming Application - RCFA
Renaming Application – Ana Martin
Park Development Project Update Presentation
El Dorado Conceptual Design Plan
El Dorado Renaming ● Page 2