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Falls Church seeks public input on names for three South Washington Street parklets
Summary
Staff outlined a naming process for three new parklets — two ARPA-funded (190 S Washington and 430 S Maple) and one (410 S Washington) under EDA reconsideration — recommending public outreach, referrals to boards and commissions, and public hearings before council resolution.
City staff presented a process for naming three parklets in the South Washington Street corridor and asked the council for feedback on draft names and the outreach plan.
Two parklets (190 S Washington St and 430 S Maple Ave) are near completion and were funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) support; the third (410 S Washington St, called 'Tenderhill Alleyway' in staff materials) will be funded with local dollars and may be delayed pending completion of an adjacent senior-living project. Staff said the Economic Development Authority may revisit scope and schedule at its next meeting in December.
Staff described the naming rules from city code: names generally should reflect geographic, historical or ecological relationships; exceptions may be made to commemorate individuals who made significant contributions to the city. The code requires council adoption by resolution and a public hearing before naming a city-owned facility, and staff will solicit recommendations from the planning commission, historical commission, recreation & parks advisory board, the EDA, arts & humanities council and any community organizations the council deems appropriate.
Staff said it will prepare a project web page, promote the process through city communications channels and solicit suggestions by email. Early suggestions already heard include Cato Adams Park and historically rooted names tied to Tinner Hill community institutions (for the 410 S Washington location, which lies in the Tinner Hill Historic & Cultural District). The council and staff discussed whether the public would vote on a shortlist or only submit ideas; staff said it would collect ideas and pare them down with boards and commissions.
Council members asked that staff ensure consistent signage and branding across parklet signs and consider involving students or a school representative on the advisory process because of the education goals associated with future commemorative programs. Staff said it will seek input from relevant boards and the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and will return with referrals and a schedule.
