HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-23; City Council; 06; Additional Naming Sign for Thorp Field at Poinsettia Community ParkCA Review TL
Meeting Date:
To:
From:
Staff Contact:
kyle.lancaster@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2941
Subject:
District:
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving an additional naming sign for Thorp Field at Poinsettia
Community Park.
Executive Summary/Explanation & Analysis
The Parks & Recreation Commission received a proposal on May 18, 2009, to rename Baseball
Field No. 1 at Poinsettia Community Park to Thorp Field, in memory of Mitchell Thorp. The
commission voted to support the City Council’s approval of the renaming of the field. The City
Council received that proposal on July 21, 2009 (Exhibit 2) and approved renaming of the field.
The commission and the City Council found the renaming proposal to be consistent with the
criteria identified in City Council Policy No. 48, Naming Rights of Parks and Municipal Facilities.
That renaming action allowed for installation of two signs:
•One 17-inch-by-17-inch brass plaque mounted on the scorer's booth
•One 12-inch-by-42 inch metal sign mounted on the backstop fence
These signs were similar in quantity, size and shape to the renaming signs of the previously
approved Brierly Field at Pine Avenue Community Park.
The two signs for Thorp Field were purchased from the Mitchell Thorp Fund and provided to
city staff for installation. The installation and maintenance costs for those two signs were
determined to be insignificant and absorbed within the Parks Maintenance Operating Budget.
The existing electronic scoreboard at Thorp Field needs replacement due to age, weather and
wear. Before staff processed a contract for the replacement of the scoreboard, Brad and Beth
Thorp submitted a proposal to add a memorial naming sign to the scoreboard (Exhibit 3). The
proposal states, “The purpose of this request is to further honor Mitchell Thorp by expanding
the existing memorial recognition to include the new scoreboard at Thorp Field.” The proposal
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further specifies that the scoreboard will include the memorial naming of Mitchell Thorp Field
(Exhibit 4), consistent with the original dedication.
Staff subsequently obtained quotes from the vendor for an electronic scoreboard with a
supplemental naming panel. Installation of the larger scoreboard will also require structural
upgrades to the supporting structure, including reinforced steel posts and larger concrete
footings, to accommodate the additional weight and wind load. The increase to the cost of the
electronic scoreboard with the supplemental naming panel – including design, engineering,
procurement and installation – is about $12,000. That increase to the cost of the scoreboard
will be funded through a private contribution from the Mitchell Thorp Foundation, in keeping
with the purchase and provision of the initial two field renaming signs in 2009.
The Parks & Recreation Commission reviewed the described naming sign proposal on May 18,
2026, and unanimously accepted it. The City Council is being asked to approve the additional
naming sign to Thorp Field at Poinsettia Community Park because the Carlsbad Municipal Code
does not delegate this authority to the City Manager.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the proposed additional naming sign to Thorp
Field at Poinsettia Community Park. Sufficient funds for the electronic scoreboard replacement
are available in the Parks Maintenance Capital Improvement Program Budget. The increase of
$12,011 for the supplemental naming panel and associated structural upgrades to the
scoreboard will be funded through a private contribution from the Mitchell Thorp Foundation.
Next Steps
Staff will accept $12,011 from the Mitchell Thorp Foundation and deposit it into the General
Fund. Staff will then process a contract with the vendor for the design, engineering,
procurement and installation of the electronic scoreboard with the supplemental naming panel.
Environmental Evaluation
The action approving an additional naming sign to Thorp Field at Poinsettia Community Park
does not require environmental review because it does not constitute a project within the
meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code Section
21065 in that it has no potential to cause a direct physical change or a reasonably foreseeable
indirect physical change in the environment.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution
2. Agenda Bill #19,908 from July 21, 2009, City Council Meeting (on file in the Office of the City
Clerk)
3. Memorial naming proposal, scoreboard sign, Mitchell Thorp Field
4. Scoreboard sign illustration, Mitchell Thorp Field
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Exhibit 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-133 .
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN ADDITIONAL NAMING SIGN FOR THORP
FIELD AT POINSETTIA COMMUNITY PARK
WHEREAS, the Parks & Recreation Commission received a proposal on May 18, 2009, to rename
Baseball Field No. 1 at Poinsettia Community Park to Thorp Field, in memory of Mitchell Thorp; and
WHEREAS, the commission voted to support the City Council’s approval of the renaming of the
field; and
WHEREAS, the City Council received that proposal on July 21, 2009, and adopted Resolution No.
2009-191, approving renaming of the field; and
WHEREAS, the commission and City Council found the renaming proposal to be consistent with
the criteria identified in City Council Policy No. 48, Naming Rights of Parks and Municipal Facilities; and
WHEREAS, the renaming action allowed for installation of two signs, which are similar to the
renaming signs of the previously approved Brierly Field at Pine Avenue Community Park; and
WHEREAS, the two signs for Thorp Field were purchased from the Mitchell Thorp Fund; and
WHEREAS, the installation and maintenance costs for those two signs were determined to be
insignificant and absorbed within the Parks Maintenance Operating Budget; and
WHEREAS, the existing electronic scoreboard at Thorp Field needs replacement due to age,
weather and wear; and
WHEREAS, prior to staff processing a contract for the replacement of the scoreboard, Brad and
Beth Thorp submitted a proposal to add a memorial naming sign to the scoreboard; and
WHEREAS, the proposal specifies that the scoreboard will include the memorial naming of
Mitchell Thorp Field, consistent with the original dedication; and
WHEREAS, staff subsequently obtained quotes from the vendor for an electronic scoreboard
with a supplemental naming panel; and
WHEREAS, installation of the larger scoreboard will also require structural upgrades to the
supporting structure, including reinforced steel posts and larger concrete footings, to accommodate
the additional weight and wind load; and
WHEREAS, the increase to the cost of the electronic scoreboard with the supplemental naming
panel is approximately $12,011 and that cost will be funded through a private contribution from the
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Mitchell Thorp Foundation, in keeping with the purchase and provision of the initial two field renaming
signs in 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Parks & Recreation Commission reviewed the described naming sign proposal
on May 18, 2026, and unanimously accepted it; and
WHEREAS, there is no direct fiscal impact associated with the proposed additional naming sign
to Thorp Field at Poinsettia Community Park, as staff will accept $12,011 from the Mitchell Thorp
Foundation and deposit it into the General Fund; and
WHEREAS, sufficient funds for the electronic scoreboard replacement are available in the Parks
Maintenance Capital Improvement Program Budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.The action authorizing an additional naming sign to Thorp Field at Poinsettia Community
Park does not require environmental review because it does not constitute a project within
the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code
Section 21065 in that it has no potential to cause a direct physical change or a reasonably
foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
3.That the additional naming sign to Thorp Field at Poinsettia Community Parks is approved.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City
of Carlsbad on the 23rd day of June, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
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Exhibit 2
Agenda Bill #19,908 from July 21, 2009, City Council
Meeting
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
June 23, 2026 Item #6 Page 5 of 9
Docusign Envelope ID: B171AC95-9D2C-8DBC-8380-ACD4E5362581
MEMORIAL NAMING PROPOSAL
Mitchell Thorp Memorial Recognition – Scoreboard
Thorp Field, Poinsettia Community Park
I. Background
Mitchell Thorp was a young member of the Carlsbad community whose life, courage, and character left a lasting
impression on all who knew him. His strength, perseverance, and positive spirit in the face of adversity served as
an inspiration to youth, families, and the broader community.
In recognition of his life and the impact he had on others, the City Council approved the renaming of Baseball
Field #1 at Poinsettia Community Park to “Thorp Field” in 2009. That action created a lasting tribute within a
setting that reflects Mitchell’s love of sports and community.
A commemorative plaque was also placed at the scorer’s table to memorialize his legacy, along with “Thorp
Field” sign hung on the backstop.
II. Purpose of Request
The purpose of this request is to further honor Mitchell Thorp by extending the existing memorial recognition to
include with the new scoreboard at Thorp Field.
This request is intended to:
•Continue to recognize Mitchell’s inspirational life
•Reinforce the original intent of the 2009 Council action
•Provide a visible and meaningful reminder to all who use the field
III. Ongoing Community Impact
Since the original naming of Thorp Field, the Mitchell Thorp Foundation has continued to play an active and
meaningful role within Poinsettia Community Park and the greater Carlsbad community.
•The Foundation continues to host its annual Warrior Spirit 5K Run/Walk at the park, having recently
held its 17th annual event, bringing together families, youth, and community members in a celebration
of resilience, hope, and community spirit.
•The Foundation continues to support local youth athletics by presenting awards to participants in
Carlsbad Youth Baseball and La Costa Youth Organization baseball and softball leagues and to the
Champions Division at LCYO that display the characteristics of Mitchell.
o This award honors a player who has demonstrated:
▪A passion for the game.
Exhibit 3
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▪ The player should show a willingness to help others and to be a strong supportive
teammate.
▪ The player should be a leader who has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches
through hard work and dedication to the game.
▪ The player should also have strong academic and community involvement.
• The Foundation also contributes financially to these leagues to help ensure that players who may not
otherwise have the financial means are able to participate and benefit from youth sports programs.
IV. Fiscal Impact to Community
The Warrior Spirit 5K Run/Walk and Family Festival has minimal direct fiscal impact to the City of Carlsbad. Event-
related costs are generally limited to staff coordination, permitting, public safety support, and park maintenance,
and are typically offset through permit fees or absorbed within existing departmental budgets.
On February 7, 2026, the event drew more than 900 participants, generating positive indirect economic activity
for the Carlsbad community. Participants, families, volunteers, and spectators support nearby restaurants, retail,
and service businesses, while also increasing community use of Poinsettia Community Park.
In addition to this local economic activity, the event provides broader community value through the Mitchell
Thorp Foundation’s ongoing support of children and families battling cancer, rare disease and other critical
medical conditions, as well as contributions to local youth baseball and softball programs. Based on attendance
exceeding 900 participants, the event represents a significant community benefit and a positive public-private
partnership with limited cost to the city.
There is no direct fiscal impact to the city associated with the proposed scoreboard memorial recognition. The
full cost of adding a single-panel name to the scoreboard, totaling $12,010.96, will be provided entirely through
private contribution by the Mitchell Thorp Foundation. No City funds are requested or required for fabrication or
installation, other than the original cost of the scoreboard without the naming portion.
These ongoing efforts demonstrate a continued and lasting contribution to the community and are consistent
with the original intent of the Council’s 2009 naming action.
V. Proposed Recognition
It is respectfully requested that the scoreboard include memorial wording consistent with the original
dedication:
“Mitchell Thorp Field”
The existing name “Thorp Field” will remain unchanged.
The full cost associated with fabrication and installation of the memorial wording, totaling $12,010.96, will be
funded entirely through private contribution by the Mitchell Thorp Foundation, consistent with the originally
approved signage.
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VI. Consistency with Original Naming Intent
The original naming of Thorp Field was based on:
• Mitchell Thorp’s courage and strength
• His ability to inspire others
• His connection to youth sports and the community
This proposal is consistent with that intent by:
• Enhancing the existing memorial rather than altering it
• Placing recognition on a central feature of the field
• Ensuring continued awareness of his story for future generations
VII. Policy Consistency
This request is consistent with Council Policy No. 48 as a memorial naming of an amenity within an existing
named facility:
• Recognition is based on community significance and lasting impact
• The proposal maintains continuity with an already approved memorial naming
• No public funds are required for implementation
VIII. Design and Placement
• The memorial wording will be incorporated on to the scoreboard
• Design will be simple, respectful, and consistent with park standards
• Final placement and materials will be subject to City approval
IX. Conclusion
The naming of Thorp Field created a meaningful and lasting tribute to Mitchell Thorp. The continued efforts of
the Mitchell Thorp Foundation demonstrate that his legacy remains active and impactful within the community
today.
Incorporating memorial recognition into the scoreboard is a natural extension of that tribute and will ensure that
Mitchell’s legacy continues to inspire all who visit and play at the field.
This proposal respectfully requests approval to include memorial wording on the Thorp Field scoreboard
consistent with the original 2009 Council action.
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Exhibit 4
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