HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-19; Parks & Recreation Commission; 606-6; Citizen Request Rename Community GardenPARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL
AB# 606-6
MTG. DATE: 6/19/06
STAFF: Lancaster
TITLE:
CITIZEN REQUEST TO RENAME THE
CARLSBAD COMMUNITY GARDEN
n INFO
[E] ACTION
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Review a citizen request to rename the Carlsbad Community Garden the Harold E. Smerdu
Community Garden and make a determination on forwarding the item to the City Council.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
On May 9, 2006, the Recreation Director received a letter from Ms. Patrice Smerdu, requesting
that the Carlsbad Community Garden be renamed the Harold E. Smerdu Community Garden, in
honor of her father. The letter (attached Exhibit) provides these highlights of Mr. Smerdu's life:
• Moved to Carlsbad at the age of eleven.
• Attended school in Carlsbad.
• Married high school sweetheart.
• Served in the Navy (South Pacific) during World War II.
• Returned to Carlsbad after the war.
• Raised his family in Carlsbad.
• Became a small-time flower grower and volunteer fireman.
• Unable to continue as a flower grower.
• Supported the concept of Carlsbad's Community Garden.
• Once held seven plots at the Community Garden.
• Helped other gardeners and answered their questions.
• Shared bounty with neighbors, friends, and the Carlsbad Senior Center.
• Twice featured in local papers on stories about the Community Garden.
• A fixture at the Community Garden for 25 years.
• Now unable to garden due to advanced Parkinson's Disease.
• Still called upon to answer questions and offer advice.
• Renaming concept supported by other current Community Gardeners.
Attached for the Commissions reference is making this determination is City Council Policy #48,
on the Naming of Parks. This policy states in part that "The Parks and Recreation Commission
shall be responsible for recommending the name of parks, facilities, and amenities within parks
and for considering the renaming of parks every 25 years." The policy further indicates that when
considering proposals, the Commission shall emphasize the following criteria:
• Geographic location.
• Community signifcance.
• Historical significance.
• School name, when adjacent to a school.
• Individual person who shall have made a significant contribution to the City.
EXHIBITS:
1. Letter to Ken Price from Patrice Smerdu, Dated 5/05/06
2. Carlsbad City Council Policy #48, Naming of Parks
RECEIVED
May 5, 2006 MAY 0 8 2006
PerKen Price
Parks Director
City of Carlsbad
Mr. Price:
I am writing to request that the Parks Department consider renaming the
Carlsbad Community Garden to The Carlsbad Harold E. Smerdu Community
Garden, in honor of my father.
Dad moved to Carlsbad in 1931 when he was eleven. He attended school
here, married his high school sweetheart and served in the Navy in the South
Pacific during World War II. After the war, he returned home to raise his
family, become a small-time flower grower and serve as a volunteer fireman.
He was unable to continue as a flower grower, but always had a love of the
land. When Carlsbad was considering a community garden, he was among
the first to support it. He had 7 plots early on until more interest in the
garden developed, as Connie Kessler will confirm. He helped many first-time
gardeners learn to love gardening. Dad answered their questions and
rototllled plots for many of the gardeners to help them with the weeds. He
shared his bounty with neighbors, friends and the Carlsbad Senior Center. He
was twice featured in the local papers when stories were written on the
garden. Dad was a fixture there every day except Sunday for well over 25
years. Although advanced Parkinson's disease has left him unable to garden,
he is still called upon and willingly answers questions and offers advice about
gardening in Carlsbad.
I've spoken with many of the current community gardeners and have
received resounding support for a renaming of the garden. I'd be very glad
to provide any additional information that would be of benefit.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Patrice Smerdu
1370 Las Floras Dr.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 729-7109
EXHIBIT 1
CITY OF CARLSBAD
Policy No._ 48
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT Date Issued June is. 1991
Effective Date June 18» 1991
General Subject: NAMING OF PARKS Cancellation Date
Supersedes No.
Specific Subject: NAMING OF PARKS, FACILITIES AND AMENITIES
IN PARKS AND RENAMING PARKS
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
PURPOSE
To establish guidelines and procedures for the naming of parks, facilities and amenities within parks
and the renaming of parks.
STATEMENT OF POLICY
The Parks and Recreation Commission shall be responsible for recommending the name of parks,
facilities and amenities within parks and for considering the renaming of parks every 25 years. The
Commission will recommend and the City Council will determine the official name of parks,
facilities and amenities within parks.
PROCEDURE
At the appropriate time for naming a park or considering renaming a park, the Parks and
Recreation Commission will solicit public input. The proposed names shall be submitted in writing
to the Parks and Recreation Commission with justification to aid in considering the proposal. The
proposed name shall be placed on the Commission agenda, allowing appropriate time for review
by the Commission (and subcommittee, as necessary) and to publicize and receive input from the
public at the Commission meeting.
When considering proposals, the Commission shall emphasize the following criteria in making their
recommendation to the City Council:
Geographic location
Community significance
Historical significance
School name, when adjacent to a school
Individual person who shall have made a significant contribution to the City
The Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for their determination
of the official name.
EXHIBIT 2