Title
Receive a report on the donation of a Memorial Bench at Royal Oaks Park, and:
a. Approve the donation of a Memorial Bench at Royal Oaks Park in recognition of Warren Church, former 1st District Monterey County Supervisor 1965-77;
b. Direct staff to work with the family on the type of bench, recognition plaque and placement.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Parks Commission:
a. Approve the donation of a Memorial Bench at Royal Oaks Park in recognition of Warren Church, former 1st District Monterey County Supervisor 1965-77;
b. Direct staff to work with the family on the type of bench, recognition plaque and placement.
SUMMARY:
Earlier this year, former County Supervisor Warren Church, who served the 1st District between 1965 through 1977, passed away. In addition to his many achievements, Mr. Church is credited with establishing the Monterey County Parks Department and in 1965, with support from his fellow Board Members, he established the Parks Department, hired the first Parks Director, appointed the first Parks Commission and budgeted $100,000 for park acquisition. The first park acquired and developed in the system was Royal Oaks Park.
To recognize his many achievements and years of service to the County, and his efforts to establish the County Parks Department including the creation of Royal Oaks Park, the family wishes to donate a memorial bench in his honor at Royal Oaks Park. The Parks Department supports this proposal and will work with the family of Mr. Church to select an appropriate bench and location. Once installation is complete, the bench would be property of the County.
DISCUSSION:
Through his leadership, former Supervisor Church promoted and established a new Monterey County Parks system by first establishing Royal Oaks Park in 1966, which he helped plan, design, develop. and choose the name, which later served as the inspiration for the community of the same name. The family wishes to donate a memorial bench in his honor, and Parks Department supports this proposal and will work with the family of Mr. Church on the selection of an appropriate bench and location at Royal Oaks Park. In addition to the memorial bench, it’s been proposed that a large, specimen boulder be placed adjacent to the bench with Supervisor Church’s name on a brass plaque affixed and set into the boulder.
As per the policy for reviewing proposals for gifts of funds or improvements for park facilities by individuals, its required that all proposals be reviewed by Park staff to determine if the gift is complimentary to the park plan, its character or setting. Also, if the gift is over $500, the name of the individual being recognized shall be displayed. Its estimated that the memorial bench to be donated will cost approximately $2,000. The cost for the specimen boulder and brass plaque is approximately $250, and the cost to install is estimated at $250 (materials and labor). The total donation is estimated to be $2,500.
The family agrees to cover all costs necessary to complete the project. It is also understood that the memorial bench would come to the County with no obligations or stipulations and there is no contractual agreement. The county would maintain and inspect the bench as a part of their regular maintenance practices and the impact or addition to staff time or work load is considered to be minor and have no intensification to regular duties. The County wouldn’t be able to guarantee anything beyond regular, standard observation and maintenance, which is simply inspection for loose boards, fasteners or broken items. There could be a potential for removal of the bench due to any unforeseen issues, vandalism and future maintenance. Staff will work with the family to determine the most appropriate location with the intent of minimizing any potential issues and to ensure the best siting and use of land in harmony with the park.
Staff seeks your commission’s review and approval of a Memorial Bench and specimen boulder with recognition plaque for former Supervisor Warren Church at Royal Oaks Park, and direct staff to work with the family on the placement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
No other agency involvement is necessary.
FINANCING:
The family agrees to cover all costs necessary to complete the project. Once installed, the bench would become property of the County with no further obligations or stipulations.
Prepared by: John Akeman, Parks Planning Manager
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, RMA Director/Interim Parks Director
Attachments:
A. Park Policy for Selecting Names and Identifying Park Area
B. Proposed Bench
C. Former 1st District Supervisor Warren Church (1965-77) and the founding of Monterey County Parks Dept.