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Falls Church planning commission advises place‑based names for two new parklets, declines personal namings
Summary
The Planning Commission on Jan. 15 recommended that two new parklets funded with ARPA and local dollars use place‑based or geographical names (for wayfinding) rather than being named for individuals; commissioners also discussed adding interpretive signage to recognize local figures or history.
The Falls Church Planning Commission on Jan. 15 reviewed name suggestions for two newly constructed parklets — at 190 South Washington Street (a triangle site) and 430 South Maple Avenue (adjacent to the Cavalier Trail) — and unanimously recommended that City Council favor place‑based names tied to location or geography rather than formally naming the small features after individuals.
Why it matters: the city code (section 2‑210) directs the council to seek recommendations from boards and commissions before naming public facilities. The two parklets were funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds (the two noted sites) and one remaining parklet funded with local funds was deferred by the Economic Development Authority pending adjacent development.
Staff reported that a public naming web page (launched Nov. 15, 2024) collected suggestions; Christina Goodwin (a longtime local civic volunteer who died in March 2024) received the most public suggestions, and a small memorial stone plaza near the 430 South Maple parklet honors her. Multiple boards weighed in: the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board favored geographic names tied to location (for example, Cavalier Trail Wayside for 430 South Maple Avenue and a rolling‑roads reference for the triangle) and unanimously advised against naming either parklet after an individual. The Historic Commission and Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation suggested names that recognize Indigenous peoples and local historic figures in the district; the Economic Development Authority favored simple, easy‑to‑pronounce place names and cautioned against person‑based namings.
Commissioners discussed compromises. Several members supported using a clear, place‑based name for wayfinding — for example “Triangle Parklet” or “Cavalier Trail Wayside” — combined with an interpretive plaque or marker at the parklet that acknowledges the Christina Goodwin memorial stone and local history. Commissioner Margaret Friedlander (voice recorded in the meeting) said the commission should not prevent memorialization but that plaques are a reasonable way to honor individuals without using a facility’s official name. Commissioner Robert Kravinsky noted public support for a whimsical local name (he cited “Duck Pen Alley” as an example suggested by a family) and endorsed placing a commemorative plaque at the site honoring Goodwin.
The commission moved and seconded a recommendation that city council pursue place‑based names for both parklets (names linked to the parklet’s location or geographic feature) rather than naming the parklets after individuals; the motion passed unanimously by roll call. Staff will forward the commission’s guidance and the compiled public and boards/commissions suggestions to City Council for its next work session on parklet naming.
Votes at a glance: Motion to recommend place‑based names for the 190 South Washington Street and 430 South Maple Avenue parklets (not to name them for individuals); seconded; roll call vote: 7 yes, 0 no, motion passes.
