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Parks and Recreation Commission backs removing benches and trees from city naming policy
Summary
The commission voted to support the mayor—s proposed amendment to remove benches and trees from the formal naming policy so donations of benches/trees can be processed by Parks & Recreation as a separate program; the commission voted in favor of recommending the change pending the mayor—s formal proposal to council.
The Parks and Recreation Commission voted to support a proposed amendment that would remove benches and trees from the city—s formal naming policy and allow Parks & Recreation to manage donated benches and trees through a separate program.
The commission—s support follows a staff presentation from Lindsay (Parks & Recreation staff member) and a written letter from Phoenix Way, who requested a memorial bench honoring her late father, Paul Wayne. Lindsay said the mayor plans to present a formal amendment to the common council in April and that, if the council approves a new process, Parks & Recreation would administer bench and tree donations directly rather than routing each request through the naming-resolution process.
Commissioners discussed recurring issues with the current resolution-based process: donors being required to maintain plaques, uncertainty about long-term upkeep, and the policy—s one-year-deceased rule for naming facilities. Lindsay showed a sample donor program from Peekskill, which uses set fees (examples discussed during the meeting included roughly $2,000 for a new park bench and $500 to add a plaque to an existing bench) and places city-owned, standardized benches in parks. Commissioners noted past cases in which plaques and benches had aged and caused confusion about responsibility for maintenance.
The commission expressed general support for the mayor—s approach to handle benches and trees through a separate donation program run by Parks & Recreation, with the commission continuing to consider naming for larger facilities, parks and buildings under the existing policy. One commissioner said the intent of the naming-resolution process was to provide a fair, public review for substantial recognitions and that smaller donations do not need the same procedure.
A motion to indicate the commission—s support for the mayor—s proposed amendment and to remove benches and trees from the formal naming list passed on a voice vote. Commissioners indicated they would follow up with the applicant (Phoenix Way) to explain the pending policy change and any next steps once the mayor presents the amendment.
Votes at a glance - Approval of November meeting minutes: motion carried by voice vote (all in favor). (Procedural) - Approval of 2025 meeting schedule: motion carried by voice vote (all in favor). (Procedural) - Motion to assess full fee for three properties referenced under —Theo Lou of Parkland— (105 Deal Street; 140—150 Boulevard; 66—92): motion seconded by Nancy and carried on voice vote; an opposing vote was recorded verbally but not named. (Administrative fee decision) - Motion to support the naming-policy amendment (benches/trees handled separately): motion made and seconded; carried on voice vote (all in favor).
The commission did not take final action on any individual bench application tonight; staff said formal approval or installation would be contingent on whatever policy the mayor forwards to the common council and any subsequent administrative procedure established by Parks & Recreation.
The commission scheduled no additional action items tonight beyond communicating the commission—s support for the mayor—s proposed change and following up with the applicant.
