Submitted by: Laura Reams
Submitting Department: City Clerk
Agenda Section: Action
Item Title:
title
Renaming of Magruder Park to David C. Driskell Community Park
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move the Mayor and Council authorize the City Attorney to draft a resolution renaming Magruder Park as David C. Driskell Community Park and to draft a corresponding ordinance updating references to Magruder Park in the City Code to reflect the new name. I further move the Council authorize the City Administrator to assess and proceed with signage needs for the park renaming.
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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 additional discussions on April 5 and April 19, 2021. During the discussion on April 19, 2021, the Council indicated support for the name David C. Driskell Community Park and agreed to bring the item back for action on May 3, 2021.
Next Steps:
The City Attorney will draft a resolution to formally change the name of Magruder Park to David C. Driskill Community Park. The City Attorney will also draft and ordinance replacing references to Magruder Park in the City Code to the new name. The City Administrator will direct staff to do an assessment of new and replacement signs needed for the park as well as on City documents and communications. Should the cost of these new and replacement items exceed $10,000, the Council will need to approve the expenditure via motion at a future meeting.
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 will be incurred.
City Administrator Comments:
For Action.
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