Title
Recommendation to Provide Direction on Naming the Park at Alameda Marina as Svendsen Maritime Park Based on the Background Investigation Report. (Recreation 10051400)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The park at Alameda Marina is being built by a private developer and is not yet open to the public. This park will serve new and existing Alameda Marina residents as well as the broader community but will be privately maintained, not by the City of Alameda (City). The Recreation and Parks Commission (Commission) followed the four-step process detailed in the City Facilities and Street Naming Policy (Naming Policy), which included holding public discussions at three Commission meetings and administering two community-wide surveys. The Commission recommended two names for City Council to consider: Svendsen Maritime Park or Riveter's Waterfront Park. On January 3, 2023, City Council directed staff to conduct additional background research on Svend Svendsen and return for name consideration for the park. This investigative research did not yield any issues of concern regarding Svend Svendsen and staff is seeking direction on next steps or approval on a final name for the park at Alameda Marina.
BACKGROUND
In October 2021, City Council updated the Naming Policy, with the goal to broaden the naming criteria, allow for greater diversity, equity and inclusion, and increase community input. As a result, standing criteria are written into the Naming Policy stating that names should reflect diversity, equity and inclusion to intentionally broaden the representation of people in the community.
The Naming Policy outlines a four-step public process that entails three public meetings with the Commission, two community input surveys, a Commission recommendation to City Council with the final step being City Council's approval of a facility name.
On December 9, 2021, the Commission rece...
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