Park Naming Policy

1. Naming Criteria:
   1. Consideration will be given to the names of early settlers, community builders, volunteers and other historical figures who have contributed to the history of the District of Sechelt
   2. Consideration will be given to the names of individuals (living or deceased) or organizations who have contributed significantly to the betterment of the community, or if the individual has contributed the land to be used as a park
   3. Consideration will be given to local geography, history and tradition, and to natural features
         
2. Other considerations:
   1. Naming 'themes' will be taken into consideration in all aspects of park naming decisions, if in a specific area where a park is to be named, a theme has been established for the naming of streets and local area amenities
   2. Public notification and request for input will be sought prior to the naming or re-naming of a park within the District of Sechelt
   3. The above guidelines will be utilized to consider the naming of amenities and structures within parks
         
3. Names that will not be considered:
   1. Names of business organizations will not be considered
   2. Names of social/ethnic/religious causes or groups will not be considered

Procedure

Park Naming Requests:

1. All requests for park naming will be submitted to the Clerk in writing.  The request will be forwarded to the Recreation, Culture and Community Relations committee for review.
2. Notification will be made to the pubic that a request to name a park has been received, and input from the public will be sought.

Park Re-Naming Requests:

1. Park re-naming requests must be accompanied by a petition signed by at least 2/3 of the property owners directly affected, that is, within a 1/2 kilometre radius in the neighbourhood in which the park is situated
2. Sufficient constructive reasons must be supplied for a park to be re-named
3. Notification will be made to the public that a request to re-name a park has been received, and input will be sought and then reviewed by the Recreation, Culture and Community Relations Committee

Plaque/Sign Requests:

1. Requests for signage or plaque placement to accompany either a naming request, re-naming request or to commemorate an existing park must be accompanied by assurances of funding sources for the purchase, installation and future maintenance of the signage or plaque
2. If approved, plaques or signage will be installed and maintained by District staff in accordance with its procedures for installation

All recommendations for naming or re-naming of parks as well as requests for plaques/signs will be forwarded to Council for consideration and ultimate approval.