CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
Memo Date: June 28, 2021
Agenda Date: July 13, 2021
Prepared By: Matthew Fuhrer, Assistant City Manager
Through: Stockton Whitten, City Manager
Requested Action:
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Approve a resolution renaming Fern and Prospect Park to Gilmore Community Park.
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BACKGROUND:
At the June 22nd City Council meeting a request was made by a consensus of City Council to rename Fern and Prospect Park for Larry Gilmore a citizen advocate for the park.
City of Cocoa Code of Ordinances Chapter 2, Article 1, Section 2-9 establishes the method and procedure for naming certain city buildings, streets and parks. The authority to name city buildings, parks and streets is solely vested in the authority of the City Council and recommendations may come forth by the following means.
§ The City Council
§ The City Manager may make a recommendation to the City Council based on the City Manager’s own initiative
§ Any person or entity wishing to assist the City Council in determining the name of a city building, park or street shall submit an assistance petition to the City Manager for evaluation and a recommendation by the City Manager
Fern and Prospect Park Background
The City of Cocoa acquired the Fern and Prospect Park property in 2002 with the intent to develop a neighborhood park. The Park was ultimately constructed through the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and Diamond Square CRA funds. Through the CDBG process a community survey was completed to determine the name of the park. “Fern and Prospect Park” was selected as the name for the park. Through staff research, there are no restrictions or obligations related to renaming the park. In 2016 the grounds at Fern and Prospect Park were named “Gilmore Grounds” by Resolution of the City Council and the “Fern and Prospect Park” name was retained.
Fern and Prospect Park to be renamed “Gilmore Community Park” for Larry and Domita Gilmore. Larry Gilmore, a citizen advocate, has contributed to the City as a member of the Citizens Advisory Board from 2002 to 2005, participated in the City of Cocoa’s Voluntary Adopt a Road Program by maintaining litter collection along Fern Avenue, and, living in close proximity to Fern and Prospect Park, by consistently keeping a watchful eye over the park and neighborhood.
STRATEGIC PLAN CONNECTION:
Image and Civic Engagement - the naming of parks/facilities would promote civic engagement and civic pride if named for iconic contributory residents or civic groups
BUDGETARY IMPACT:
N/A
PREVIOUS ACTION:
N/A
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Recommendation
Approve a resolution renaming Fern and Prospect Park to Gilmore Community Park.