DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: District 7
SUBJECT:
Naming of Woodlawn Lake Park Tennis Courts to Joe V. Alderete Jr. Tennis Courts
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the naming of the Woodlawn Lake Park tennis courts to Joe V. Alderete Jr. Tennis Courts located in Council District 7.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Councilman Cris Medina submitted a memo requesting to name the tennis courts located at Woodlawn Lake Park to Joe V. Alderete, Jr. Tennis Courts located at 1103 Cincinnati to commemorate and recognize this long-time civic leader for his invaluable contributions to the community.
San Antonio native Joe V. Alderete, Jr. graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and attended San Antonio College and Our Lady of the Lake University. He was elected to the city's first single-member district in 1977 and served as Councilman for District 7 until 1985. His advocacy of Woodlawn Lake Park has continued well beyond his service on the council, dedicating his life's work to improving the quality of life for the citizens of District 7. Over the years, he has been instrumental in infrastructure developments to Woodlawn Lake Park including much-needed clean-up, drainage, lighting, running trails and landscaping, all of which have transformed the park into a vibrant gathering place.
Mr. Alderete has hosted a summer tennis camp for over ten years at the Woodlawn Lake Park tennis courts offering free lessons and tennis equipment to neighborhood children. Most recently, he has spearheaded the annual Earth Day event at Woodlawn Lake Park, which has blossomed into an official Fiesta event with thousands of attendees. His involvement in Earth Day is a reflection of his desire to protect and preserve Woodlawn Lake Park and to share the neighborhood jewel with the citizens of San Antonio for years to come.
Staff followed the naming process in accordance with Ordinance No. 2011-03-31-0239. A committee was established to hold a public hearing on this proposal. The committee consisted of Norma Rodriguez, Community Representative selected by Councilman Cris Medina, District 7 and Xavier Urrutia, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. Notice of the public hearing and naming was advertised through the Southside Reporter, La Prensa, Express-News, City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation website, as well as through a general media release. Direct notification was mailed to two hundred thirty-one (231) residents and businesses within 200 feet of this public park. Additionally, notifications were directly mailed to four Neighborhood Associations that are active around Woodlawn Lake Park area.
Following the distribution of notices and advertisement of the proposed naming, seven hundred and sixteen (716) responses were received in favor and seventy (70) responses were received in opposition of the proposed name, all post-marked on or before the date of the public hearing. The public hearing was held on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. at the Woodlawn Lake Park gym. Fifty-seven (57) members of the public attended the public hearing, of which twenty-six (26) were in favor, thirty (30) were opposed, and one (1) undecided of the proposed naming. After discussion of all the input received through the mailed in notices and the public hearing, the committee concurred to recommend to the City Council that the Woodlawn Lake Park tennis courts be named the Joe V. Alderete, Jr. Tennis Courts.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes the naming of the Woodlawn Lake Park tennis courts to the Joe V. Alderete, Jr. Tennis Courts. This action is consistent with the City's policy to name a facility (or city property) to honor local leaders or persons.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council may elect not to name the tennis courts at Woodlawn Lake Park, and allow it to remain the same.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no General Fund impact from this action.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the naming of the Woodlawn Lake Park tennis courts to the Joe V. Alderete, Jr. Tennis Courts.