HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.A. Park Naming Application for Southbridge Savanna Oaks Park
JJ.A.
CITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum
To: Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
From: Andrea Weber, Park and Recreation landscape Design
Subject: Park Naming Application for Southbridge Savannah Oaks Park
Meeting Date: January 2, 2007
INTRODUCTION
The City Council is asked to consider an application for the naming of the Southbridge
Savannah Oaks Neighborhood Park.
BACKGROUND
Staff received an application for Park Naming from a resident of the Savannah Oaks
Neighborhood in November. This park naming application is the first to be received
unsolicited from a resident since the adoption of the Park Naming Policy.
lorie Kortgard, a resident in the South bridge Development, has made the park naming
application on behalf of the Dietzel Family and their daughter, Ellianna Grace, who was
killed in an automobile accident at the age of 18 months. The park naming application is
attached. Ms Kortgard has included all elements required by the pOlicy (completed
application, permission from the honoree's parents), and included a significant amount
of neighborhood support in the form of a petition and e-mails from the Savanna Oaks
Homeowner's Association.
There has been one park naming since the policy was adopted in 2005 (Park Naming
Policy, Resolution 6174, attached). Idella and George Shutrop Community Park was
approved by resolution on the basis that the Shutrop Family provided great assistance in
facilitating the City's purchase of the park land. The naming was in honor of Idella and
George Shutrop, who were longtime owners of the land and who desired that the land
become a park someday. This park naming fit under the naming policy; Guideline C.
"Names to commemorate persons who have made significant contributions to Shakopee
Parks system... "
DISCUSSION AND ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board considered the naming request at their
December meeting, see attached staff report. In order to provide you with a detailed
account of their deliberations, we have provided a copy of the DVD of the meeting for
you to review. This agenda item starts approximately one-hour into the meeting.
After much discussion, the Advisory Board recommended to the City Council that the
naming request be respectfully declined, primarily because it didn't fit the criteria set
forth in the naming policy. Their primary concern was that the naming policy provides
opportunities for naming a park after a person under the following guidelines:
. "3.C. NaminQ Guidelines C. Names to commemorate persons who have made
significant contributions to Shakopee parks, trails, and open spaces (with the
permission of the honoree, or remaining immediate family members or
designated representative, if any). Names to commemorate other local born or
raised persons of statewide or national importance may also be considered
without association with Shakopee parks."
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board asked whether it would be acceptable to the
family to have a small memorial placed in the park, which funds could be raised for. Mr.
Dietzel declined this option because they are setting up a foundation in the daughter's
name. He stated that he did not want funds to go to a memorial, because funds going to
the foundation would of more value to them. The Dietzels thought of the park naming as
an honor and as a way for Ellianna to be remembered.
As part of their recommendation, the Advisory Board acknowledged the loss of the
family and the intent of recognizing this loss with the park naming, but they also noted
that they didn't feel the naming request met the goals of the policy, where park naming
may be considered only to commemorate persons who have made significant
contributions to Shakopee parks, trails, and open spaces, or statewide or national
importance. The Advisory Board also acknowledged that their recommendation is based
on their interpretation of the policy, and that the Council makes the final decision. The
Advisory Board discussed later in the meeting to review the Park Naming Policy at their
January meeting.
REQUESTED ACTION
The City Council is asked to review the park naming request and move one of the
following options:
1. Motion to direct staff to prepare a resolution approving the naming application for the
Southbridge Savanna Oaks Park in the name of Ellianna Grace Dietzel. (The
resolution would be brought back to you at the following meeting.)
2. Motion to deny the naming application for the Southbridge Savanna Oaks Park.
3. Table the request and provide direction to staff.
PARK NAMING POLICY
1. A. The Purpose of the naming policy is to develop place names that are:
. Unique. Unique names are identifiable to a specific place and do not duplicate or are
not confused with existing names in City of Shakopee or neighboring areas.
. Meaningful. Names may reference natural features or landmarks, local historic
events or persons with historic significance, locally or nationally.
. Inclusive. Names shall be selected in a public adoption process. They shall be
respectful of all people and cultures and reflect positive values acceptable to the
community as a whole.
B. Donor Naming may be considered on a case by case basis. Donor naming agreements
may include provisions for ongoing and special maintenance costs, such as the renovation of
a facility. Donor naming may also have specific terms for discontinuation or termination and
shall be adopted by City Council resolution.
C. Fundraising campaigns for dedicating memorial amenities, such as benches, pavers or
trees, shall be approved as a campaign by the Park and Recreation Advisory Board and City
Council under the existing Donation Policy concurrent with park improvements or new park
developments. Wording on memorial features shall follow the naming guidelines in this
policy.
2. Annlication Process:
A. The process may be initiated in the following ways:
i. By public announcement by the Park and Recreation Advisory Board in local papers or
the city's website or in conjunction with neighborhood design process.
ii. By application by alandowner, donor, group, or resident.
B. A Naming Request Form shall be completed which will include:
i. Location of Park or feature to by development / addition, and street frontage(s).
ii. Person/organization requesting the name and their contact information.
iii. Proposed name and up to two alternates, if desired.
iv. Explanation of name meaning(s), including translation, or biographical information if
the name is honoring a person or people.
v. Description of process involved in choosing the proposed name and what type of
public involvement was used.
3. Review Procedure.
A. Applications shall be submitted to the Park and Recreation Department, and reviewed by
staff for completeness and accuracy. A naming request made as a part of the development
process, may be submitted by the developer with a plat application. If not, the Park and
Recreation Advisory Board will begintheprocess by a public announcement as in 2.) A. i,
above.
B. Requests are presented by staff to the Park and Recreation Advisory Board in a regular
scheduled meeting.
C. The Park and Recreation Advisory Board shall discuss the Naming Request and
recommend or not recommend it to the City Council. They may also table the request for due
consideration before voting on it.
D. The City Council will hear and vote on the Park and Recreation Advisory Board
recommendation. The City Council shall have final authority on all Park Naming Requests. A
Naming Request Approval shall only take effect after the land has officially been transferred
to the city's ownership and the city retains legal title to the land.
City of Shakopee
Park N amiD!! ADDlicatioD
Part I. All namin!!: reQuests shall follow the !!:uidelines below:
A. General Name guidelines:
. Should not duplicate or be easily confused with existing public or private places in or near
Shakopee.
. Should avoid adjectives such as east, west, big, long, etc., and numbers when possible unless an
adjacent feature name uses the same descriptor.
. Should use the fewest words possible.
. Shall include an appropriate designator of the type of park, i.e. Community Park, Neighborhood
Park or Tot Lot.
B. Names of historic places, events and cultural ideas and names using Dakota language or concepts
shall be appropriate to the site and proposed use, and should follow standard current spelling of the Dakota
language.
C. Names to commemorate persons who have made significant contributions to Shakopee parks system,
(with the permission of the honoree, or immediate family or designated representative, if any). Names to
commemorate other local born or raised persons of historic, statewide or national importance may be
considered without a park association.
D. Names for site features, wildlife or other natural ideas, when site specific.
Part II. Please fill in all of the Questions below
Return completed applications to Shako pee Community Center or mail to: City of Shako pee Parks, Recreation,
Natural Resources and Facilities Department, Attn: Director, 1255 Fuller St., Shako pee, MN 55379.
1. Location of Park or feature to be named Development! Addition name, and adjacent street
frontage(s).
2. Person/organization requesting the name
Phone (daytime) Fax
Address:
3. Proposed name (and up to two alternates, if desired).
4. Explanation of name meaning(s), including translation, or biographical information if the name is
honoring a person or people, if applicable (may attach additional sheets).
S.Please describe the process involved in choosing the proposed name and what type of public
involvement was used.
CITY OF SHAKO PEE
PARK NAMING ApPLICATION PACKET
TO: Mark Themig
Parks, Recreation, Natural Resources and Facilities Director
1255 Fuller Street
Shakopee, MN 55379
fROM: Lorie Kortgard
8362 Oxford Road North
Shakopee, MN 55379
DATE: November 8, 2006
RE: Naming Of Our Neighborhood Park
Enclosed please find the official application for the naming of our neighborhood park. IWiIl await
information regarding next steps and fOfWard progress. If there are any questions, please let me . know. I
can be contacted via the following:
Home Address:
6362 Oxford Road North
Shakopee, MN 55379
Home. Telephone Number (daytime):
952-445-9285
CelJuJarTelephone Number:
952-913-5692
On behalf of myself, the Savanna Oaks neighborhood and the Honoree's family, thank you sincerely for
your time and consideration.
Enclosures: Application
Petition
Notice of Approval from Homeowner's Association
Family Letter
Hono~ DVD
1. Location of Park or feature to be named Development I Addition name, and adjacent street
frontage(s).
The location of the park is in the Southbridge Development, .Savanna Oaks subdivision/addition.
near the intersection of Oxford Road North and Wakefield Circle.
2. Person lorganization requesting this name.
I. LorieKortgard, spearheaded this endeavor, with the support of the Honoree's family, the
Savanna Oaks. Homeowners Association and the overwhelming majority of its homeowners.. My
address is 6362 Oxford Road North, Shakopee, MN.55379. My telephone number Is 952-445-
9285. My cellular telephone number is 952-913-5692. I do not have a fax number.
3. Proposed Ilame (and up to two alternates, if desired).
The name we submit for approval is: ElIlanna Grace Dietzel Neighborhood Park
Altemate name(s} submitted for approval are: Ellianna Dietzel Neighborhood Park
Ellianna's Neighborhood Park
4. Explanation of name meaning(s), inclUding translation. or biographical informationif the name is
honoring a person or people. if applicable (may attach additional sheets).
See attached sheet for explanation of name meaning.
5. Please describe the process involved in choosing the proposed name and. what. type of public
involvement was used.
I first contacted Andrea Weber to get infonnation regarding the naming process. I tllencontact.ed
our Homeowners Association. Who discussed it at tlleir monthly meeting and unanimously.lent
their support to this idea. . At that point, I discussed the idea with the family to gauge their interest
(sensitivity to their situation has obviously been of utmost concern). . Once I. received their
heartfelt apprOVal. I sent a letter to al./ of the homf;Wwners in the Savanna Oaks development.
Finally,l visited each home In the neighborhood gathering signatures of support.
Explanation Of Name:
Every once in awhile, a story touches the hearts of many. That has happened in the Savanna Oaks
neighborhood and is the basis for our request to have our neighborhood park namedln honor of a young
neighbor.
There is a family I have the privilege of knowing that owns a home in "The Classics" neighborhood of the
Southbridge development. . Dan & Brita Dietz<=! are the parents of two children, Sam (3~ 1/2 years old) and
ElIianna Grace. I met Brita through the Shakopee School District's Early Childhood Special Education
program, where our fiw children received services.
ElIianna rEllie") was. diagnosed in utero with critical..aortic stenosis evolving into...hypoplastic left . heart
syndrome. Simply put. .she had a congenital heart defect. Along with that. she had feeding difficulties,
which. resulted. in her receiving nutrition from a feeding. tube.. As you can imagine, she had several
hospitalizations, surgeries (the first one in. utero before she was. even bornl), . and experimental
procedures to treat this rare condition. .Slie's pediatric cardiologist and all of her specialists agree ...
beCause of. the brave decisions her parents made. regarding. her treatment, they will have a greater
knowledge of how to effectively treat other children with this same affliction. She's truly a trailblazer!
Her medical situation, however, d~s not come close to defining who Ellie was. She had a goofy andfun~
loving personality. She would stand in a three-polnt stance (left foot, right foot and head) and then peek
through her legs and say "Hi, mamal" She would grab a pall' of sunglasses. put them on (no matter how
big. they were) and. say "coo, coo", telling everyone how "cool" she. was. She delighted in seeking
attention from her. blg brother Sam, affectionately earning herself the nicknames "Trouble" and
"Stinkerbomb." Aside from her medical issues. she was a normal, happy child. . This was the only life Ellie
knew, andsurrouncjed by the love of a vef'i devoted family, she didn't see herself as different. I urge you
to ."meet" Ellie by viewing the enclosed DVD or visiting her Caringbridge website at
WVNI.caringbridge.orgMsiUelliannagrace. ..
Unfortunately, ElIiannaGrace Dietzel lost her life in a tragic accident (unrelated to her heart condition) on
July .15, 2006. . She was just 18 months old.
As I searched for a way to bring the Dietzel family some peace during this time, I came to the realization
that the best thing we could do for them was to help Ellie's memory Hveon in some.way. Then, one day
as I was driving along Oxford Road North, the thought occurred to me that perhaps the many construction
delays our park has experienced actually occurred for some "higher reason." Perhaps it was meantto
bear the name at young Ellie, Our neighborhood park will be a place of laughter. happiness and
appreciation of the youngsters in our lives. The Dietzel's live near one of the paths that connect The
Classics and Savanna. Oaks areas, Dan, Brita and Sam. will, undoubtedly, spend. many hours In our
neighborhood park. ..It will be a place that Ellie's memory and spirit can live on forever in the hearts of the
children and parents who gather there.
I realize that. my proposal does not necessarily meet the guidelines that. have. been recently established
for naming. parks located in. the city of Shakopee.. I was somewhat surprised, however, to find that there
wasn't a category that encompassed "other notable exceptions." Our playground will not be a
adestioatioo" park, like Huber Pl<iyground. People will not drive in their cars from all over Shakopee to
play here. quI' park will serve the immediate neighbors of Southbridge, with the most use coming from
the Savanna Oaks . and .Classics communities. I believe it is most fitting, under those circumstances, to
consider naming our park in honor of one of our residents whose story has affected everyone here, not
merely beCause of her tragic death, but because. of the way in which she and her family faced their
adversity and Jived their lives. Let our park reflect the flavor and feel of our community. Our park has
been designed for children. Let it bear the name of a.local child who would . have spent hours playing
there.
I realize that tragedies ()(;CUI' often and. unfortunately, it is. impossible to honor everyone who may face
adversity. . However... when all of the. elements come together so naturally, and there. is overwhelming
neighborhood support (as evidenced by the petition), it seems difficult to deny that this was meant to be.
On behalf of Elllanna's family and our community, we respectfully ask that you approve our request to
name our neighborhood park the "EllIanna Grace Dietzel Neighborhood Park."
Thank you very much for your consideration.
October 27, 2006
To Whom It May Concern:
Naming a park after our daughter, Ellianna Grace Dietzel, is one of the most thoughtful
and generQus offers of support our family could receive. The park will always live on
and, therefore, the memory of our sweet Ellianna.
EUianna had a. remarkable life on .earth. She has truly touched many lives around the
world. She has given pediatric cardiologists encouragement to keep exploring fetal
surgery options. She has given families of children with single ventricle heart disease
hope for a cure.
Ellie's strength and uncurbed enthusiasm forlife was inspirationaltomany. We often
hearddoctol'S and people who heard about her heart disease butnever saw her inpersol1
say, "She look$so good and has so much energy." We were very encouraged to expect a
long life with our Ellie. Wewere devastated to have her taken away so abruptly.
To our family, the park would be a happy and safe place for us and others to visit. Ellie
loved the outdoors and could run, jump, and playJike any other 17month old trying to
keep up with her big. brother. I hope the park would. remind others to cherish each
moment with their cWldren. To know how precious and fragile life is.
m conclusion, It would be a great honor to our' fanlily to ha.ve. the Savannah Oaks park
named after EllIe so she could continue to touch other people's lives in a positive way.
~nf.leIY. .CJ t~Pj~.
~'~ ~~
l I" ~ '.Qr;.'. .
c.
Dan, Brita, alld Sam Dietzel
Page 1 of2
Chad Kortgard
From: "Amundson, Chad" <Chad.Amundson@lfhi.com>
.To: "Amundson.Christine,SHAKOPEE,Sales"<christine.amundson@us.nestle. com>; "Chad Kortgard"
<Chad.Kortgard@worldnet.att.net>
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 9;42 PM
Subject: RE; Park Naming
HfLori,
The board had a chance to meet tonight and we discussed. the naming of the tot lot.
I'm happy to say that we all agreed that it would be a. nice tribute to Ellie and her
family. . We have no problems with you moving forward with a naming suggestion
and submitting the proposal.
Good luck Lori and thanks for taking the time to bring this up.
-Chad
From:. Amundson,Christine,SHAKOPEE,5ales [mailto:christine.amundson@us.nestle.coml
Sent: .Mon 8/21/2006 1:05 PM
To: Chad Kortgard
Cc:Amundson, Chad
Subject: RE: Park Naming
Hi Lori,
The boardis actually meeting at our house tonight. Chad has itontheagenda to discuss.
Chad, can you plan to follow up with Lori with the boards thoughts, thanks
Christine
..--Original Message---
From: Chad Kortgard (mailto:Chad.Kortgard@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Monday, August 21,200612:12 PM
To: Amundson,Christine,SHAKOPEE,Sales
Subjed::Park Naming
Hi Christine,
Sorry, I don't know Chad's e-mail address so I'm hoping you can forward this to him. Thanks...
I was wondering if the Board has had a chance to review the information/proposal I sent regarding the
naming of our tot lot. We had a playdate with Brita (Ellie's Mom) this morning and she was asking about
the park and when it would be done. . She talked about how excited she is to bring Sam there. I just
completely re-affirmed to me that this would be such an appropriate and lovely gesture on behalf of our
neighbClrhood.
I know the park is still scheduled to be finished this fall (along with the grand opening) and I would really
like to get90in90n this if possible.
Let me know. Thanks, guys!
10127/06
Attached is the Petition that the homeowners of Savanna Oaks signed In support of naming the park after
Ellianna Dietzel.
Please note that of 129 homes, there are 108 household signatures contained herein.
ot the 21. homes that. are not represented.
. 2 homes are not physically occupied right now
. 5 homes did not have English~speaking. inhabitants; the lack of proper communication made
it unethical for me to solicit signatures
. 6 homes opted not to sign the petition (3 due to general opposition to the park and an
unwillingness to support anything regarding it. and 3 due to unwillingness to support the
naming)
. of the remaining 8 dwellings. after repeated attempts, I could not reach anyone home
"-'
PETITION TO THE CITY OF SHAKOPEE
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
I, the undersigned, certifY that I am a resident ofthe Southbridge Development "Savannah Oaks" neighborhood
and that I hereby support the namingof our proposed neighborhood park in memory of
Ellianna Grace Dietzel (the exact naming of the park to be determined by the Park Board and family).
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PETITION TO THE CITY OF SHAKOPEE
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
I, the tmdersigned, certiiY that lam a resident of the Southbridge Development "Savannah Oaks" neighborhood
and that I hereby support the naming of our proposed neighborhood park in memory of
Ellianna Grace Dietzel (the exact naming of the park to be determined by the Park Board and family).
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~~. Ellianna Grace Dietzel (the exact naming of the park to be determined by the Park Board and family).
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PETITION TO THE CITY OF SHAKOPEE
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
I, the wldersigned.certify that 1 am a resident of the Southbridge Development "Savannah Oaks" neighborhood
and that I hereby support the naming of our proposed neighborhood park in memory of
EIlianna Grace Dietzel (the exact naming of the park to be determined by the Park Board and family).
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PETITION TO THE CITY OF SHAKO PEE
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
I, the undersigned, certify that I am a resident of the Southbridge Development "Savannah Oaks" neighborhood
and that I hereby support the naming of our proposed neighborbood park in memory of
Ellianna Grace Dietzel (the exact naming of the park to be determined by the Park Board and family).
CITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum
To: Park and Recreation Advisory Board
From: Andrea Weber, Park and Recreation landscape Design
Subject: Park Naming Application for South bridge Savannah Oaks
Date: December 18, 2006
INTRODUCTION
The Advisory Board is asked to consider an application for the naming of the
Southbridge Savannah Oaks Neighborhood Park, and forward a recommendation to
City Council.
BACKGROUND
Staff received an application for Park Naming from a resident of the Savannah Oaks
Neighborhood in November. This park naming application is the first to be received
unsolicited from a resident since the adoption of the Park Naming Policy. There has
been one park naming since the policy was adopted (Resolution 6174, attached),
Idella and George Shutrop Community Park. This park naming was approved. on the
basis that the Shutrop Family provided great assistance in facilitating the City's
purchase of the park land. The naming was in honor of Idella and George Shutrop, who
were longtime owners of the land and who desired that the land become a park
someday.
The construction of the park at Southbridge Savannah Oaks is near completion, so this
is a good opportunity to select a name prior to the grand opening of the park, which will
be planned next spring. This naming could also be coordinated with the park signage
project, which will begin in 2007.
I have spoken with and provided the applicant, lorie Kortgard, with the park naming
policy. Lorie is a resident of the Savannah Oaks Neighborhood. She is planning to
attend this meeting in order to answer your questions. lorie has made the park naming
application on behalf of the Dietzel Family and their daughter, Ellianna Grace, who
passed away recently at the age of 18 months. The park naming application is
attached.
lori has also gotten a letter from the Dietzel family, as per the naming policy,
. "Naming Guidelines 3.C. C. Names to commemorate persons who have
made significant contributions to Shakopee parks, trails, and open
spaces with the permission of the honoree, or remaining immediate
family members or designated representative, if any. Names to
commemorate other local born or raised persons of statewide or national
importance may also be considered without association with Shako pee
parks."
The stated purpose of the naming policy is to name parks with names that are "Unique,
Meaningful and Inclusive." The description of "meaningful" in the policy states;
. B. Meaningful. Names which are meaningful will help to
strengthen community identity and reinforce a sense of place.
They may have meanings associated with site natural or
constructed features as well as local historic events, which
strengthen the identity of the City of Shakopee as a whole.
In this case, "meaningful" could be considered applicable due to the extensive
community input that Ms. Kortgard has taken upon herself to provide. She has
presented the application to the Savanna Oaks Homeowner's Association and received
their support, e-mail attached. She has also presented a petition to all of the residents of
Savannah Oaks of which 108 of 129 homes (83%) signed the petition in support of the
name.
The other two naming qualities in the policy, "Unique" and "Inclusive" also appear to be
met by this naming proposal.
lastly, though this naming application does not specifically meet the policy for naming
after a person, in that Ellianna may not have reached significant state or national status
or have contributed significantly to Shakopee parks, this naming is for a small
neighborhood park. This park was designed largely for local children's use and
enjoyment. A park named in honor of "a local child who would have spent hours playing
there" and whose family will likely regularly use the park, is not inconsistent with the
purpose of the park as a local gathering place. Most importantly, it also appears to be a
locally supported naming choice, which would "strengthen community identity and
reinforce a sense of place".
REQUESTED ACTION
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is asked to review the park naming
application and provide a recommendation to the City Council.
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Page 1 of2
Mark Themig CD
From: Mark Anderson [andersonmarkanderson@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, January 01,200711:17 AM
To: Steve Clay; terry Joos; Michael Leek; Matt Lehman (External); Bruce Loney; Steve Menden; John
Schmitt; Mark Themig; Andrea Weber
Subject: REQUEST FOR NAMING OF SOUTHBRIDGE SAVANNAH OAKS PARK
January 1,2006
Mr. John Schmitt, Mayor
Mr. Steven Clay, Council-member
Mr. Terry Joos, Council-member
Mr. Steve Menden, Council-member
Mr. Matt Lehman, Council-member
Dear Honorable Mayor and Council-members:
I respectfully request that you consider this correspondence in deciding the request to name the new
Savannah Oaks park after a recently deceased child.
I was not aware this application was pending until I viewed the replay last night on television..I am
unable to attend the council meeting set for January 2, 2007.
I believe that you should deny the request for following reasons:
1. The parks and advisory committee was advised by Mr. Mark Themig, that the naming of the
park based on the criteria put before the committee was not consistent with the ordinance on the
subject.
2. Naming of parks after residents is too subjective. This would open the door to an endless process of
naming applications and re-naming applications. A city has a legal duty to act in a manner that is not
"arbitrary or capricious." It does not seem possible to follow a naming policy that uses the criteria put
forth by the applicant. I could see a situation in the future where a group that is perhaps not very popular,
or is commonly oppressed and discriminated against, makes an application for a park naming that is
denied and brings a lawsuit based on a denial of equal protection under the law, or other constutional
challenge.
3. Savannah Oaks Park is a public park serving the entire city. Special local interests should not
prevail. The park is a permanent dedication that will out-live all of us. Section 12.34, subd. 1 ofthe city
Ordinances states in part that "... we must be mindful of our future citizens." I think naming parks after
local individuals will result in confusing names and constant re-visiting of park names.
4. Parks should be have, if possible, some geographical reference to them. Oxford Road is the only
roadway with access to the park. There are two giant Savannah Oaks monuments/ signs on the comers of
1/2/2007
Page 2 of2
Oxford Road and Southbridge Parkway. (Oxford Road is a Loop). The signs are about 15 feet tall with
stone facing and are permanent structures.
The signs will act as beacons directing people to the park. The Park should be named "Southbridge
Savannah Oaks Park", or "Savannah Oaks Park." The park will be easy to find ifitls name is consistent
with its location.
5. Naming parks after local individuals is confusing. We moved here from Burnsville. We lived there
for 17 years. We used the parks heavily as we participated in baseball, softball, football, soccer, tennis,
nature walks, bicycling, etc. A constant headache was locating certain local parks/fields that had obscure
names. There was always time wasted calling people and asking for or giving directions, and getting lost
by confusing the the names of certain parks. (the internet age of maps has definitely lessened this
problem in the present!) I never had any problem finding North River Hills Park, or South River Hills
Park, or Red Oak Park, or any fields that were attached to a school, or government building.
I PROPOSE THE FOLLOWING:
The City could direct that the Parks and Rec Department should research and prepare a report that would
study the feasibility of a program to allow citizens to get involved in honoring themselves or others
through a program where either a donation of labor or park amenities could be performed.
Examples are the Adopt-a-Highway program at the state. Maybe a group or family could commit to pick
up trash at a park for three years in exchange for their name to be posted on a "revolving sign." The
volunteers would pay for the cost of the sign. It could be called "Adopt-a- Park" or something like that.
The group could also complete a safety report every three months advising the park department of safety
concerns, such as broken or worn equipment or fencing, etc.
Another idea could be to establish a program where a park bench or 15 foot tree could be purchased for
$2,000.00 with a plaque on it. The fee should include the cost of materials and installation. Maybe a
standard donation placque could be installed at each park with a place to add names of donators.
I am also separately forwarding to you an "e-mail" that I sent to Mr. Mark Themig today, before I learned
that there is a Council meeting on this subject tommorrow.
I want to mention that my opinion on this subject is not intended in any way to offend the applicant, their
family members, or their supporters. Our family has genuine heart-felt sympathy for the family and
friends of the applicant. We know that their application is genuine, and made with the best of intentions.
Thank-you for considering this letter.
Mark D. Anderson
6233 Oxford Road North
Shakopee, MN 55379
952-890-5155 home
952-220-2070 cellular
952-736-2552 office
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1/2/2007
Page 1 of 4
Mark Themig ~
From: Mark Anderson [andersonmarkanderson@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 7:52 AM
To: Mark Themig
Subject: RE: Naming of New Savannah Oaks Park
Mark - Thank-you! Keep up your great work.
Mark Anderson
Mark Themig <MThemig@ci.shakopee.mn.us> wrote:
Hi Mark... Thanks for your emails. I'm responding to this one (vs the original you sent
only to Andrea, Clr. Lehman and me) so Council will also get a copy of the response. I'll
also provide them with copies of both your emails at their meeting on Tuesday evening.
I'll try to respond to each of your specific questions/comments:
-Park Naming Ordinance: The reference that was made at the Park Board meeting
regarding the naming policy being an ordinance was incorrect. It is actually a policy that
was adopted by City Council resolution, so it isn't found in the City Code. The City has a
new online service where you can view Council meeting packets, and a copy of the
policy is in Tuesday's meeting packet. It can be found at this address
http://www.ci.shakopee.mn.us/weblink7/DocView.aspx?id=96814. If it doesn't work, let
me know and I can email you the policy directly.
-Park Board Vote: You are correct that the original motion supporting the naming
request received three votes in favor and four against. After further discussion and a
new motion to recommend to Council to decline the naming request,. it was voted 7-0 in
favor of recommending that Council decline the request.
-Adopt-A-Park Program: The Police Department has implemented a park watch
program to help them address some of the. issues related to vandalism in the parks. We
hope to work with them in 2008 to expand the program to include a more traditional
"adopt-a-park" program like you discussed. These are great programs, and I really
appreciate the help you've provided in helping us to maintain the park without the formal
program in place.
-Memorials/Donations: The Park Naming policy has a process to allow donations or
memorials for benches, trees, etc.
-Trash Cans: I'll talk to Andrea about the status of trash cans.
Also, as a result of this naming request and the issues that the Advisory Board struggled
with, the Board has scheduled a review of the policy for their January 22 meeting. If it is
OK with you, I would like to include a copy of the email you send to the Council on this
item. I think it has good points for them to consider. You are also certainly welcome to
1/2/2007
Page 2 of 4
attend that meeting too, if you want.
Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts. I'll make sure City Council has
the information for their discussion tomorrow night. Feel free to call or email with any
other questions or comments.
Mark
952-233-9514
From: Mark Anderson [mailto:andersonmarkanderson@yahoo.com]
Sent: Mon 1/1/200711:20 AM
To: Steve Clay; terry Joos; Michael Leek; Matt Lehman (External); Bruce Loney; Steve Menden; John
Schmitt; Mark Themig; Andrea Weber
Subject: Fwd: Naming of New Savannah Oaks Park
Mark Anderson <andersonmarkanderson@yahoo.com> wrote:
Date: Mon, 1 Jan 200707:42:05 -0800 (PST)
From: Mark Anderson <andersonmarkanderson@yahoo.com>
Subject: Naming of New Savannah Oaks Park
To: mthemig@cLshakopee.mn.us
CC: aweber@ci.shakopee.mn.us, mlehman@mn.rr.com
Dear Mr. Themig:
I am writing to ask you if you could provide me the ordinance number relating to naming
of parks. I have tried very hard to find it, and am unable to locate it.
I want to read the ordinance in preparation of writing a letter to the City Council in
opposition of naming the park after the recently deceased two-year-old.
I watched the video replay of the advisory board meeting and was very disturbed that
three of the members voted in favor of the request. An approval of this request will open
the door to an endless process of trying to name and re-name parks based on very
subjective criteria.
One very disturbing proposal by a board-member is that the park be named "Children's
Memorial Park" with the ability to erect monuments to children that have died. We live
right next to this park. We do not want a grave-yard next to us! I think it would be very
depressing to have reminders all around of dead children when you are trying to play on
a playground.
There was also a lot of misleading information that was discussed by the advisory board
including the fact that the family lives in Savannah Oaks. This is not true. The family
lives in another adjacent development. (which neither fact should matter if the council is
1/2/2007
Page 3 of 4
looking at this objectively).
Another misleading fact is that the local people almost unaimously support the naming.
This is also not true. I have spokento about 6 neighbors who have all told me the same
thing: Their wife signed the petition because they were unable to tell a grieving woman at
their door-step that it was not a good idea. I personally do not know anyone who thinks it
is a good idea except the applicant.
I think approval of this kind of request will be a big mistake for the city. If the request is
approved, as soon as another child dies in the neighborhood, an application will be
forthcoming to change the name. Using the same logic as the applicant, the city would
have to approve the request if the child lived closer to the park than the prior name; or if
the child had actually ever played at the park, etc. I am sure that there are groups that
would have many different ideas for names: servicemen killed in Iraq; religious
organizations; civil rights groups, etc. etc. Would the city be required to perform
background checks on all proposed applicants? The city should not have to be in a
position to make judgments about these questions.
The park is in the Savannah Oaks development. Oxford road is the only way in or out of
the neighborhood for any resident wishing to visit the park. There is already two large
Savannah Oaks signs located at the comers of Oxford Road and Southbridge Parkway.
The signs serve as beacons to direct residents to the park. The park has a geographical
identity. It will be easier for people to find ifit's location is self-identifying.
Perhaps this could be used as an chance to make opportunities for citizens to donate their
efforts or money to the parks to honor themselves or others. The State of Minnesota has
the adopt-a-highway program. Maybe the City. of Shakopee could implement an adopt-a-
park program. The park certainly could use someone to pick up litter once-a-week, asI
have been doing there for the last three years. Perhaps the city could develop a program
where $1,000.00 buys you a park bench with your name on it, or a 15 foot tree with a
memorial plaque imbedded in the ground near-by.
I also want to take the opportunity to congratulate and thank you and Andrea for the final
completion of the park. I followed the process closely, and had quite a few apprehensions
about what would be finally constructed there. We are very pleased that you did not cut
any comers in building the landscaping. I feel as if you listened to us that our main
concern was that a barren playground in the middle ofa field would be ugly. We are
happy you decided to include numerous trees to provide shade; that you used continuous
concrete curbing to enclose the playground mulch, and most importantly, that you
brought in topsoil that will hopefully sustain grass. I know these are very expensive
components of the construction, and are very easy to ignore, but you correctly included
them as part of a quality, long-lasting construction process.
(I would like to remind you that there are not any garbage cans there yet and people have
been accidently leaving behind cans and bottles, etc.)
Thank-you for your response with number for the park naming ordinance.
Sincerely,
Mark Anderson
1/2/2007
Page 4 of 4
6233 Oxford Road North
Shakopee, MN 55379
952-890-5155 home
952-220-2070 cellular
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1/2/2007
Page 1 of2
Mark Themig @
From: Koehn, Sarah [skoehn@shakopee.k12.mn.us]
Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 20074:45 PM
To: Mark Themig
Subject: RE: Naming of Facilities
Mark, thanks for your time. I do understand the importance of precedence. But, for what I understand, this is a
relatively small facility for which a neighborhood has come forward to name after someone they feel has made a
significant contribution, both locally and nationally. This child seems to have made a significant contribution in the
medical world and a significant contribution in a neighborhood in Shakopee. Another option may be to use "Grace"
for the park name, utilizing the child's middle name, yet generic.
Thank you for your time. Feel free to forward my thoughts onto the Board.
Sarah Koehn
From: Mark Themig [mailto:MThemig@ci.shakopee.mn.us]
Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 4:30 PM
To: Koehn, Sarah
Subject: RE: Naming of Facilities
The naming policy was adopted in 2005, partly because the process of how other parks have been named
has been difficult to track, so Huber was named years before the policy was put in place. The policy allows
naming of parks after people who have contributed to the City's park and recreation system. I think that is
where the Board had difficulty because the policy states:
. "3.C. Naming Guidelines C. Names to commemorate persons who have made significant
contributions to Shakopee parks, trails, and open spaces (with the permission of the honoree, or
remaining immediate family members or designated representative, if any). Names to
commemorate other local born or raised persons of statewide or national importance may also be
considered without association with Shakopee parks."
I don't think they were specifically against naming a park after a person (the City did that back in 2005 with
the Shutrop Park), but it was more a determination of "significant contributions".
You can review a copy of the staff report on this item at
http://www.ci.shakopee.mn.us/weblink7/DocView.aspx?id=96814, and if you have any comments you
would like forwarded to City Council, you can email those to me and I can put them on the table for
tonight's meeting. You can also attend and speak to this item, if you would like. It should be up shortly
after 7:00 p.m.
Feel free to call with any additional questions...
Mark
233-9514
From: Koehn, Sarah [mailto:skoehn@shakopee.k12.mn.us]
Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 4:20 PM
1/2/2007
Page 2 of2
To: Mark Themig
Subject: RE: Naming of Facilities
1 caught the discussion of naming the tot lot after the young child that passed. Many of the Board Members
referred to the City policy that facilities are no longer being named after people. My thought was of Huber Park...1
knew he was an important member of the community and how this conflicts with the stand they made at the recent
Park & Rec meeting. Was Huber Park named prior to this application of the Facility Naming Policy? Thanks.
From: Mark Themig [mailto:MThemig@ci.shakopee.mn.us]
Sent: Tuesday, January 02,20074:17 PM
To: Koehn, Sarah
Subject: RE: Naming of Facilities
Hi Sarah -
When the design of the redevelopment of Huber Park began, I asked around but there wasn't much
information, so I went to the Historical Society to do some research. In looking at references from old
newspapers, here is what I found:
-Edward J. Huber was the president of First National Bank in Shakopee.
-Apparently he was heavily involved in recreation and conservation efforts. He was also very active in the
Boy Scouts. He lead the effort to construct the former Scout cabin in Huber park, and participated in
construction of the 'Shakopee baseball park' and other local picnic and recreational areas.
-The park was named after him in May 1962 to recognize his efforts. I don't believe that there was a policy
in place at the time, but I will check on that.
Let me know if you would like more detailed information, and I'll see what I can find.
Mark
PS: According to his obituary in the June 6, 1963 newspaper, he organized a group of Scouts to plant
trees when the 'Shakopee Public School' building (Central Family Center?) had its first addition
constructed in 1929.
From: Koehn, Sarah [mailto:skoehn@shakopee.k12.mn.us]
Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 3:56 PM
To: Mark Themig
Subject: Naming of Facilities
Hi Mark - 1 am interested to know how Huber Park got its name and what policy was followed in the process?
thanks.
1/2/2007