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RTC#03-195

June 3, 2003

SUBJECT:

Consideration of Plaque for Fair Oaks Skateboard Park (03-195)

REPORT IN BRIEF

City Council has requested that staff consider installing a plaque at the recently dedicated Fair Oaks Park Skateboard facility. This report considers such an action.

BACKGROUND

On May 3, 2003, the City dedicated its first official skateboard facility at Fair Oaks Park. The 18,500 square foot facility is the largest of its kind in the area and is already proving to be a very popular destination for local youth. Given the unique nature of the facility, Council would like to consider the installation of a permanent skate park plaque.

EXISTING POLICY

Council’s Recognition and Plaque Policy establishes guidelines as to the use and layout of plaques and other appropriate recognition of donations on City property (Please see Attachment A—Legislative Policy Manual, Council Policy 7.3.11).

While the City’s Recognition and Plaque Policy is primarily focused on the dedication of buildings, it does speak to "other occasions" as well. Plaques are allowed to be "placed on buildings, sidewalks, benches, trees, or other public places for various reasons" and City policy is to recognize donations of items with a plaque or other appropriate permanent identification based on a tiered approach. The policy allows Council the discretion to give additional appropriate recognition for extraordinarily large or serial donations. The City Manager has the discretion to publicly recognize smaller donations (such as park benches) with small (no larger than 3 X 5 inches) plaques or markers. The City Council has the final authority on all plaques or permanent recognition on public property valued at more than $20,000.

DISCUSSION

To date, plaques in the City’s parks have been limited to City buildings, plaques in memoriam to distinguished City residents, and those recognizing donations in accordance with the City’s donation policy.

Staff did not anticipate the installation of a plaque at the Fair Oaks Park skateboard facility. However, it is a unique facility, and if it is Council’s desire to have a plaque installed that could easily be accomplished.

If Council determines that it is appropriate to install a plaque at the Skate Park, staff would recommend it be installed on the existing Skate Park sculpture/identification sign as depicted in Attachment B and that the inscription on the plaque be limited to the same wording dictated by Council’s Recognition and Plaque Policy for the dedication of buildings. Attachment C depicts how such a plaque would read. Please note that former Councilmember Jim Roberts would be listed on the plaque since Council’s policy is to include all current Councilmembers as well as those who approved the budget officially commencing a project. Councilmember Roberts is the only Councilmember (in addition to existing Councilmembers) who was in office on June 19, 2001, when the Skate Park budget was officially approved.

FISCAL IMPACT

The cost of a bronze plaque for the Fair Oaks Skate Park facility would be approximately $1,000 (including installation costs) and would be absorbed by Project 823000 Fair Oaks Skateboard Park (to be reimbursed by Park Bond Act monies).

PUBLIC CONTACT

Public contact was made through posting of the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City’s web page, publication of the Council agenda in the San Jose Mercury News, and the availability of the report in the City Clerk’s office, Library, Parks and Recreation Administration, Community Center, and Senior Center.

ALTERNATIVES
  1. Install a plaque at the Fair Oaks Park skateboard facility in accordance with Attachments B and C of this report.
  2. Do not install a plaque at the Fair Oaks Park skateboard facility.
  3. Other action as directed by Council

RECOMMENDATION

The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed this report on May 28, 2003, and recommended Alternative No. 1: Install a plaque at the Fair Oaks Park skateboard facility in accordance with Attachments B and C of this report. The Commission felt this was an appropriate action given the unique nature of the facility. There was some discussion regarding the merits of adding language to recognize the funding sources for the project, but ultimately the Commission voted to recommend language consistent with the Council’s policy for building plaques (Attachment C).

Staff makes no recommendation.

 

Prepared by:
Robert A. Walker
Director, Parks and Recreation Department

Reviewed by:
Mary Bradley
Director, Finance Department

Amy Chan
Assistant City Manager

Approved by:
Robert S. LaSala
City Manager

Attachments
  1. Legislative Policy Manual, Recognition and Plaque Council Policy 7.3.11 ( .pdf file)

  1. Skate Park Sculpture/Identification Sign 

  1. Skate Park Plaque

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