Title
Receive a report on the re-location of the Avenue of Honor Memorial to another area within the San Lorenzo County Park.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Park Commission receive a report on the re-location of the Avenue of Honor Memorial to another area within the San Lorenzo County Park (Board of Supervisors Referral No. 2020.08).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In February, staff received Board of Supervisors Referral No. 2020.08 to relocate the markers to another area within the park once the new plaques are finished. On May 7, 2020, the Parks Commission received staff’s presentation on a proposal from the King City Young Farmers to develop new plaques for the Avenue of Honor memorial and options for relocating the memorial within San Lorenzo Park. On July 28th staff returned to the Board in response to their referral (Attachment 1, Board Report).
The King City Young Farmers, along with community volunteers including a local architect, and Supervisor Lopez met with staff at the park site to discuss the project and the proposed areas for relocating the new plaques. Five (5) options have been considered:
• Option 1, North end of open turf field
• Option 2, Center of Park between the parking lot and the Gazebo
• Option 3, Eucalyptus Grove adjacent to the historic School House
• Option 4, Horseshoe area near Main Entry
• Option 5, Original location - Park Entry Road (“Avenue of Honor”)
After consideration, staff and the Young Farmers have agreed to relocate the Avenue of Honor Memorial to the north end of the open turf field (Option 1), which was presented to the Board of Supervisors on July 28th. Staff will report on the Board’s action. Presuming this proposal is accepted by the Board, staff will need to return with an Agreement between the County and the King City Young Farmers that establishes the following: 1) County agreeing to King City Young Farmers installing improvements within a specified area of San Lorenzo Park, and maintaining the area; and 2) King City Young Farmers agreeing to be responsible for the design, development, installation, repair, restoration and replacement of the plaques.
Staff will develop the Agreement with the Young Farmers and continue to work with them and other willing community volunteers or groups such as MCARLM, VFW, King City Chamber, and King City in Bloom to implement the project. A dedication ceremony is planned for Veterans Day, November 11, 2020.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
RMA-Park staff is primarily working with King City Young Farmers along with community volunteers including a local architect on the project. Staff also consulted with the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum (MCARLM) relative to their agreement to operate the museum in San Lorenzo Park, in addition to the local VFW. County counsel will be involved with a new Agreement between Monterey County and King City Young Farmers.
FINANCING:
The County will provide space within San Lorenzo Park, and RMA is providing in-kind staff support for this effort on the design, development and final placement of the memorial plaques. King City Young Farmers will manage the proposed project to relocate the markers and will also be responsible for the all costs associated with their installation, repair, restoration and replacement.
The replacement project was initially estimated at $12,500, and was to be funded by outside parties consisting of a $500 contribution from an anonymous donor, $6,000 from Young Farmers, and $6,000 in funds from the Monterey County Parks Foundation, which is a separate, non-profit entity. Originally, the King City Young Farmers indicated they would fully fund remaining costs of the project to relocate the plaques and will also be responsible for the all costs associated with their installation, repair, restoration and replacement. Staff understands that the preferred location may have added costs so the King City Young Farmers may seek additional financial assistance, but at this time that amount of that request is unknown.
Prepared by: John Akeman, Park Planning Manager
Reviewed by: Shawnee Ellerbe, Deputy Director RMA Administrative Services
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, RMA Director
Attachment:
1. 7/28/20 Board Report
A. Site Map showing Options 1-5