Submitted by: Robert Croslin
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Discussion
Item Title:
title
Renaming of Magruder Woods to Nacotchtank Woods
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move the Council authorize the Mayor to send correspondence to the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) requesting an official renaming of Magruder Woods to Nacotchtank Woods.
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Summary Background:
On March 18th, 2021, the City Council approved a public engagement action plan to investigate the feasibility of changing the name of Magruder Park. The Council motion authorized the City Attorney to investigate the legal requirements of the name change. The motion also directed City staff in engaging the community in a process to select a new name for Magruder Park. With the help of the Health, Wellness and Recreation Advisory Committee, and the Race and Equity Task force, five (5) name recommendations were submitted to Council for their review and approval.
The final decision for the renaming of the park and eventual dedication, was David C. Driskell Community Park, which recognized a local Black artist of international notoriety. The second choice from Council to rename the park was Nacotchtank Park, recognizing the indigenous people that first inhabited this region. The adjacent property owned by MNCPPC remains known as Magruder Woods. The recommendation is to send correspondence to MNCPPC officially requesting that the property be renamed Nacotchtank Woods recognizing the historical nature of the Native American Tribe that once lived in the area, and honoring the residents second choice in the renaming process.
Next Steps:
Council discussion.
Fiscal Impact:
Capital Budget - $30,000
City Administrator Comments:
For discussion.
Community Engagement:
Community outreach and feedback. Staff will organize a ribbon cutting and educational ceremony.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 5 - Strengthen the City's Identity as a Diverse, Creative, and W...
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