Title
Consider recommending that the Parks Commission:
a. Name two unnamed trails in Jacks Peak Regional Park: 1) Margaret Bates Trail; and 2) Talcott Bates Trail, in recognition of their efforts to secure the land establishing the Park;
b. Direct staff to update the Jacks Peak Trails Maps to include the two newly named trails; and
c. Approve the replacement of the wooden sign that has deteriorated with a boulder and brass plaque to be placed at the existing Talcott Bates Grove and Picnic Area.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Parks Commission:
a. Name two unnamed trails in Jacks Peak Regional Park: 1) Margaret Bates Trail; and 2) Talcott Bates Trail, in recognition of their efforts to secure the land establishing the Park;
b. Direct staff to update the Jacks Peak Trails Maps to include the two newly named trails; and
c. Approve the replacement of the wooden sign that has deteriorated with a boulder and brass plaque to be placed at the existing Talcott Bates Grove and Picnic Area.
SUMMARY:
In 1964 Talcott and Margaret Bates acquired 55-acres of land with the intent of preserving one of only three remaining native stands of the Monterey Pines known to exist. The stand of pines are a part of the Monterey Pine Forest, which is the largest intact contiguous stand of native Monterey Pine Forest habitat in the world and the Bates’ vision was to make sure that this unique land and its resources were preserved and made available to all who visit.
To recognize and acknowledge the Bates Family’s efforts, the County Board of Supervisors dedicated the Talcott Bates Grove and Picnic Area in Jacks Peak Park in September of 1986 (Attachment A). A small wooden sign was placed at the picnic area, and a larger boulder with brass plaque is located at an observation area off a trail on the way up to the peak. The observation area provides distant views of the Monterey peninsula and beyond and has an interpretive panel that describes the local area in addition to the dedication boulder and plaque (Attachment B).
Over time, the small wooden sign became deteriorated and was removed. At the request of Supervisor Adams office, staff met with the Bates Family who is interested in replacing the wooden sign with a boulder and plaque similar to the one located at the observation area.
In addition, Supervisor Adams had also become aware of another opportunity to further recognize the family’s efforts to establish the park and requested staff to look into naming two existing unnamed trails, and provide a connection between the grove and picnic area and the overlook area (Attachment C).
The proposal to name the trails follows the Monterey County RMA-Parks Department policy for Selecting Park Names and Identifying Park Areas (Attachment D). As per the policy, the Parks Commission shall review the proposal and forward a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to name two unnamed trails in Jacks Peak Regional Park; one in recognition of Margaret Bates and the other recognizing Talcott Bates whose early efforts secured the land for the establishment of the Park. The action also includes directing staff to update the Jacks Peak Trails Maps with the two newly named trails (Attachment E), and approves the replacement of the wooden sign that has deteriorated with a boulder and brass plaque to be placed at the existing Talcott Bates Grove and Picnic Area.
DISCUSSION:
After acquiring the property, making enhancements to the natural vegetation including caring for and replanting numerous Monterey Pines, the Bates transferred their 55-acre property to the Nature Conservancy with the stipulation that the land was to become a public park with limited development necessary for public services and primarily remaining as natural, open space. In 1971, the Nature Conservancy transferred the property to Monterey County with the intent to establish a Regional Park. The County also acquired an additional 475 acres during the process from Del Monte Properties, now the Pebble Beach Company. The park, named Jacks Peak, opened in January of 1977 and today consists of approximately 890 acres after various other land acquisitions. In addition to Jacks Peak, other recent, adjacent public land acquisitions have contributed significantly to the amount of secured open space surrounding the park. These additions include the purchase of 850 acres adjacent to the north end of Jacks Peak Park referred to as the Aguajito property in 2015 by the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, and 243.9 acres to the south of Jacks Peak which is currently in the process of being dedicated to the County as a part of the September Ranch project in Carmel Valley. Together these acquisitions have helped to solidify Jacks Peak Park and the areas surrounding it as a local resource for open space recreation and natural resource protection and preservation, which was all started by the Bates Family’s generous contribution of 55-acres.
Trail Names
The Monterey County Parks Policy for “Selecting Park Names and Identifying Park Areas” contains certain principles that should be utilized when identifying and naming park areas (Attachment D). The principles relevant to these proposed trail names are:
“Naming Parks” Section (pg.1):
• Item (B): “Family names may be considered for a park name if the donors give the entire park parcel without any further deed restrictions”.;
• Item (D): “In selecting a family name for a park site, the County shall consider only those that have some relationship to the property donated”.; and
“Proposals for Park Facilities by Groups” Section (pg. 2)
• Item 2.a: “When good evidence has been presented to substantiate such a request, upon recommendation of the County Parks Commission, the Board of Supervisors may permit the naming of a park area honoring a person or organization who has worked for and distinguished [him/herself] involving the dedication, acquisition, or development of a park site.”
Naming these trails in honor of Margaret and Talcott Bates is consistent based on:
1. The Bates family secured the original 55-acres for the establishment of Jacks Peak Park (Item B).
2. The Bates Family relationship to the property is that they were once owners of the property (Item C).
3. Through their vision, enhancement of the original 55-acre forest stand, and ultimate contribution of the land, the Bates Family clearly worked towards the development of the park site (Item 2.a).
The County will complete the trail map update and make two wooden directional signs for the two new trails in-house, similar to the existing signs already in the park.
Sign Replacement
The Monterey County Parks Policy for “Selecting Park Names and Identifying Park Areas” also contains principles to be utilized for the acceptance of gifts or improvements by individuals. The principle relevant to replacement of the missing sign with a more substantial boulder and name plaque is:
“Proposals for Gifts of Funds or Improvements for Park Facilities by Individuals” (pg 3)
• Item (3): “If the gift is over $500, the name of the donor and the name of the person the gift honors shall be placed on a plaque board at the individual park where the funds were used. The plaque board shall be placed in a prominent place accessible to the public.”
The replacement of the sign with a boulder and brass plaque to include the family name is consistent for the following reason:
1. Bates Family donation of a boulder and brass plaque is estimated to cost $1,000 and therefore qualifies for this recognition.
The family has agreed to cover the cost of the boulder and plaque and understands that these come to the County with no obligations and that there is no contractual agreement. The county would maintain and inspect the boulder and affixed brass plaque as part of their regular maintenance practices. The County would not guarantee anything beyond regular, standard observation and maintenance.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
No other agency involvement is necessary.
FINANCING:
The family has agreed to cover all costs associated with purchasing the boulder replacement and brass plaque. RMA-Park staff will provide in-kind services to assist with the project where feasible such as the updating of the Jacks Peak Trails Map, the creation of the wooden trail signs for the new trails and staff assistance on the project. Staff costs are included in the FY20-21 RMA Adopted Budget.
Prepared by: John Akeman, Parks Planning Manager
Approved by: Shawnee Ellerbe, Assistant Director of RMA
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, RMA Director/Acting Chief of Parks
Attachments:
A. Talcott Bates Grove and Picnic Area, September 1986 Dedication
B. Images of existing Boulder and Plaque at Observation Area and Wooden Sign (since removed)
C. Existing Jacks Peak Trail Map
D. Park Policy for Selecting Names and Identifying Park Areas
E. Updated Jacks Peak Trails Map