City of Sunnyvale
Agenda Item
22-0351 Agenda Date: 3/22/2022
2022 COUNCIL STUDY ISSUE
NUMBER
DPW 22-08
TITLE Evaluate the Council Policy for Naming City Parks with the Intention of Incorporating a More Diverse Cultural History in Park Names Including South Asian Culture and Develop a Policy for Renaming Existing Parks
BACKGROUND
Lead Department: Department of Public Works
Support Departments: Office of the City Manager
Sponsor(s): Councilmembers: Din, Cisneros
History: 1 year ago: N/A
2 years ago: N/A
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
What precipitated this Study?
At the January 25, 2022 City Council meeting, Councilmember Din proposed a Study Issue to evaluate current City policy for naming City parks with the intention of incorporating a more diverse cultural history in park names and evaluating the policy for renaming existing parks. This Study would review Council Policy 7.3.23 Naming / Renaming Parks & Recreation Facilities.
At the February 17 Workshop, Council supported modifying the scope of this study issue to remove researching the history of the South-Asian community in Sunnyvale and specifically identify historic figures or events that could be candidates for naming or renaming a park.
What are the key elements of the Study?
The following items will be incorporated into the scope of the Study:
· Review and identify potential changes to the current City process for naming City Parks to incorporate more diverse cultural history
· Review the current policy and specifically identify a process to potentially change the name of a current City park
Estimated years to complete Study: 1 year
FISCAL IMPACT
Cost to Conduct Study
Level of staff effort required (opportunity cost): Moderate Funding Required for Non-Budgeted Costs: $0
Funding Source: N/APage 1 of 2
Attachment 4
22-0351 Agenda Date: 3/22/2022
Level of staff effort required (opportunity cost): Moderate Funding Required for Non-Budgeted Costs: $0
Funding Source: N/A
Cost to Implement Study Results
Unknown. The Study would include assessment of potential costs, including capital and operating, as well as revenue/savings.
EXPECTED CITY COUNCIL, BOARD OR COMMISSION PARTICIPATION Council-Approved Work Plan: No
Council Study Session: Yes
Reviewed by Boards/Commissions: Parks and Recreation Commission
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Support. This policy issue merits discussion at the 2022 Study Issues Workshop.
Revisiting the current Parks naming process using an equity lens to honor the contributions of our diverse community is in line with the City’s Equity, Access and Inclusion efforts. The focus on South Asian culture could be a short-term goal. However, staff believes other prominent cultures in the City should also be considered when naming City parks.
Prepared by: Jim Stark, Parks Superintendent
Reviewed by: Chip Taylor, Director, Department of Public Works Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
Attachment 4