Submitted by: Laura Reams
Submitting Department: City Clerk
Agenda Section: Action
Item Title:
title
Hyattsville Resolution 2021-05: A Resolution establishing David C. Driskell Community Park
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move the Mayor and Council adopt Hyattsville Resolution 2021-05, a Resolution establishing David C. Driskell Community Park.
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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.
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.
A public hearing on the proposed names was held on April 5, 2021. After two (2) Council discussions on April 5 and 19, Council adopted a motion directing the City Attorney to draft a resolution to formally rename the park as David C. Driskell Community Park on May 3, 2021. The City Attorney was also directed to draft an ordinance removing references to Magruder Park in the City Charter and Code.
The Resolution establishes the new park name as David C. Driskell Community Park and is effective upon the recordation of the necessary quit claim deed removing the restrictive covenants.
Next Steps:
The City Attorney will ensure the recordation of the new park deed.
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:
Recommend Adoption.
Community Engagement:
A community engagement process to collect name suggestions was held in Fall 2020. 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