Commission recommends naming Bob Hart Square stage for Merced Rotary after $50,000 pledge

The Merced Recreation and Parks Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council approve an application to name the stage at Bob Hart Square Plaza the Merced Rotary Stage after the Merced Rotary Club offered a $50,000 contribution.

Barbara Ward, president of Merced Rotary, told the commission the club is "pleased to formally request the naming rights of the new stage" and that the club would provide $50,000 plus funding for a plaque or signage in accordance with city specifications. Ward described 104 years of local contributions and said the donation aims to support downtown arts and sponsorship of performers.

City staff explained how the donation would be used. Brenda Callahan Johnson (staff) said the proposed model was to allocate sponsorship funding toward performer fees and that a $1,000-per-performance commitment would approximate five years of sponsorship from a $50,000 gift. She also explained that reserved rentals and public events have different fee structures and require insurance and facility-use agreements.

Commissioners asked whether the naming would be perpetual and whether the city has a standard naming-term policy. Johnson said the city currently does not have a set term and suggested Merced Rotary and staff reconvene after the five-year funding commitment to consider ongoing naming rights; she said "there is no term" specified in city policy at present.

The motion to recommend the naming request moved by Commissioner Member Bong and seconded by Commissioner Member Bower passed unanimously. Chair Wetron congratulated Merced Rotary and staff said the commission will submit a formal recommendation to the City Council with a date for council review to be determined.

The public hearing on this item was closed after the vote; the recommendation will now be placed on a future council agenda for final action.