Alexandria, VA- We all know the famous line from Romeo and Juliet, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet?” right? When naming and renaming public parks, recreation areas and facilities, names are actually quite important.
A recommendation was proposed to City Council to adopt new naming and renaming policies and procedures for public parks, recreation areas, and facilities.
Currently, there is no formal procedure in place to ensure consistency when requests made from the community are received by the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. The new policies and procedures document makes clear what criteria needs to be considered for naming and renaming of the above mentioned locations, as well as the process to follow for community-driven and city-led solicitation.
If you were hoping to have a park named after you, there are some things to consider. Parks, recreation areas and facilities may be named for an individual under several conditions such as, “where the individual has made a significant gift of land to the City; or in memoriam for an individual who has made a significant contribution to the City of Alexandria park and recreation system.” But don’t assume that financial contributions will guarantee a park will be named after you, as it does not.
“Parks and Recreation facilities will not normally be named for living persons,” states the document. The public, as always, is encouraged to participate in the community by either submitting a name recommendation to the Director of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities or putting in your suggestions during city-led solicitations.
ICYMI: City of Alexandria Solicits Naming Suggestions for New Park at Foot of King Street
