Submitted by: Laura Reams
Submitting Department: City Clerk
Agenda Section: Discussion
Item Title:
title
Magruder Park Renaming - Discussion
end
Suggested Action:
recommendation
For Discussion
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Summary Background:
The City Council passed a motion on March 18th, 2019 that:
a) Authorized the City Attorney to investigate the feasibility of, and legal requirements for, changing the name of Magruder Park.
b) Authorized the City Attorney to investigate the feasibility of, and legal requirements for, updating the deed to exclude the offensive language as defined in the motion summary background details and effectively remove any restrictions on use of the public amenity that would be considered discriminatory as defined by the Hyattsville Human Rights Act.
c) Directed the City Administrator to assist the City Council by preparing recommendations, based on the tools available to the City of Hyattsville, to encourage a public engagement process.
The City Attorney worked with outside counsel to prepare and record in the land records a deed, and other required documentation, that removes the discriminatory language contained in the original Park conveyance.
With the completion of parts a) and b), the staff proceeded to engage the community in the process to select a name for the park that is welcoming, inclusive, and unifying. In Fall of 2020, City staff launched a campaign designed to collect suggestions for the renaming of Magruder Park. Over 800 submissions were received. The Race and Equity Task Force and Health, Wellness, and Recreation Advisory Committee met jointly to sort through the collection of submissions, discuss the options, and prepare a list of recommendations for Council discussion. Stacie Whitesides from the Race and Equity Task Force and Peter Reiniger from the Health, Wellness, and Recreation Advisory Committee presented the joint recommendations during the Council Meeting of March 15.
The proposed names are as follows:
• David C. Driskell Community Park
• Gateway Community Park
• Inspiration Park
• Nacotchtank Community Park
• Unity Community Park
An initial discussion was held on March 15, 2021 after the presentation of the proposed names by the Joint Committee. A public hearing on the proposed names was held prior to the April 5, 2021 Council Meeting. The Council held a second discussion on April 5, 2021 and agreed to bring it back for discussion prior to moving to action on May 3, 2021.
Next Steps:
Action on the recommendation to rename the Park is scheduled for May 3, 2021.
Fiscal Impact:
TBD - the City has incurred legal fees associated with the preparation and recording of a new deed. Additional costs related to signage, artwork and a possible event to celebrate the renaming may be incurred.
City Administrator Comments:
For Discussion
Community Engagement:
A Public Hearing was held on April 5, 2021 at 6 PM.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 5 - Strengthen the City’s Identity as a Diverse, Creative, and Welcoming Community
Legal Review Required?
N/A