§ 27-12. Naming of parks.

(a)

The following criteria shall be used in determining the appropriateness of the naming designation:

Geographic location, natural, historical or cultural feature.

(1)

A person with significant community service, minimum 25 years.

(2)

A person with significant community service or distinction.

(3)

A donation of approximately 50 percent of the value of the property or facility.

(4)

As approved by the county commission in the acquisition of any property.

(b)

Nominations will be accepted and considered only when received from community-based organizations which have been in existence a minimum of three years. The nominating organization will be required to provide information about its history. A formal vote of the organization's executive board must be taken. Requests will not be considered when submitted by an individual or a group for self-nomination. The only exception to this policy is when a significant financial contribution is made and the naming is a condition of the gift.

(c)

The department will not consider a naming request if any of the following conditions are present:

(1)

Duplicates the name of another park or park feature;

(2)

Endorses or advocates religion or a specific religious belief;

(3)

Has obscene connotations; or

(4)

Demeans, intimidates or maliciously portrays any racial and ethnic group.

(d)

No park once named may ever be changed, unless by a two-thirds majority of the county commission.

(e)

A request for naming of a park, recreational area or facility shall be submitted in writing, including criteria from subsection (b) above, to the parks and recreation department, recommended by the parks and recreation advisory board and shall be approved in writing by the mayor and district commissioner(s) or one county commissioner from the district and one at-large county commissioner.

(f)

The parks and recreation department may offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed naming.

(g)

The parks and recreation department can initiate the naming process whenever deemed necessary and/or in the best interest of the county.

(h)

This article shall not apply to leased properties. However, all naming on leased properties shall not carry forward after the termination of the lease.

(Ord. No. O-10-4-102, § 1, 5-24-10)