TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Selection of a Name for the New Veterans Memorial Park and Consideration of the Proposed Park Concept Plan.
Recommended Action
Discussion and possible action regarding the selection of a name for the new Veterans Memorial Park and consideration of the proposed Park Concept Plan.
Background Information
Resolution 2021-R-17 established the Veterans Park Advisory Committee and outlined responsibilities for the Committee including a directive (Section 4.02-A) to provide the City Commission with the following information:
Ø A proposed name and general concept for the design for the Veterans Park and desired amenities. This proposal shall include recommendations from community members and stakeholders.
Selection Process for Naming New Veterans Memorial Park
The following provides a chronological order of events regarding the selection process for the naming of the new Veterans Memorial Park:
Ø November 2021: The Parks and Recreation Department developed a naming poll for the New Veterans Memorial Park. The poll included the names provided by the Veterans Parks Advisory Committee. In addition, the community was invited to vote for a name and/or propose an additional name consideration for the new Veterans Memorial Park. The poll was advertised via multiple avenues and a total of 18 names were received.
Ø February 1, 2022: During the City Commission Regular Meeting, staff presented the list of names received for the Veterans Memorial Park to the Commission. The following actions were then taken by the Commission:
ü A motion was made to accept the conceptual draft of the Veterans Memorial Park and direct the task force to select the top three names and bring back for discussion and possible selection by the Commission at a future date.
ü A motion was made to give the Veterans Park Advisory Committee the task of fine tuning the conceptual plan and bring back to Commission.
Ø February 23, 2022: During the Veterans Parks Advisory Committee Meeting, the Committee recommended the following proposed three names for the new Veterans Memorial Park to the Commission for their consideration:
ü Defenders of Democracy
ü Circle of Honor City Green
ü Armed Forces Park
Note: The community survey results were taken into consideration and the proposed names are listed in the order provided by the Veterans Parks Advisory Committee.
Ø February 2022 - May 2022: Veterans Parks Advisory Committee Meetings were held. The Committee worked to provide additional detail to the Concept Plan in accordance with the attached PowerPoint presentation. The draft Concept Plan includes recognition of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, seating, and remembrance areas.
Strategic Plan
Relocate and expand Veterans Park.
Financial Impact
Capital Improvement Project P21VET is currently funded with $500,000 from Parks and Recreation Impact Fees in account number 152-3036-572-31-05 as a placeholder. The financial impact will be dependent upon the concept plan elements and amenities selected, in addition to any fundraising opportunities available.
Procurement
The purchase of any goods or services by the Parks and Recreation Department required to support this program will be in accordance with all applicable Purchasing Division policies and guidelines.
Attachments:
1. 2021-R-17 - Veterans Park Advisory Committee
2. Minutes from February 23, 2022 Veterans Park Advisory Committee Meeting
3. Minutes from February 1, 2022 Regular City Commission Meeting
4. Veterans Advisory Committee Park Concepts
Prepared by: Tricia Wisner, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation Department
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Director, Parks and Recreation Department