DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: District 9
SUBJECT:
Naming of a Trail at Panther Springs Park to "Wyatt's Way"
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the naming of a trail at Panther Springs Park to Wyatt's Way, located in Council District 9.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Councilman Joe Krier, District 9 submitted the request to name a trail at Panther Springs Park to "Wyatt's Way" located at 21456 Blanco Road. This process was initiated following an appeal by the Wilderness Oak Alliance and the support of Wyatt's family. The trail identified for this naming will connect the Parman Branch Library to the Wilderness Oak Elementary School.
Wyatt McDaniel was a seven year old with a playful spirit and a love for the outdoors. He was an "A" student with perfect attendance at Wilderness Oak Elementary School and loved to play sports and be outdoors. After a tragic outdoor accident, he passed away in January 2013. Wyatt's mother mentioned that naming a park trail after Wyatt will commemorate and recognize his love of the outdoors and keep the memory alive to his family and the community. The naming of a trail will not only honor her son but signifies the impact of this type of tragedy in bringing the community together as a family.
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 George P. Lampe, Community Representative selected by Councilman Joe Krier, District 9 and Xavier Urrutia, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. Notice of the public hearing and naming was advertised twice through the San Antonio Express-News, The Rivard Report, the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation website, and through a general media release. Direct notification was mailed to three hundred and thirty (330) residents and businesses within 200 feet of this public park. The Department received twenty-seven (27) notices in favor of the proposed naming and there were none in opposition.
The public hearing was held on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. at the Parman Branch Library. Twenty-two (22) members of the public attended the public hearing, of which all were in favor of the proposed naming. After public input was received on the proposed name, the committee concurred to recommend to the City Council that a trail at Panther Springs Park be named, "Wyatt's Way".
Panther Springs Park is part of the 2012-2017 Bond Program and is currently under construction of its initial phase of development. The park will include a park entry with a monument sign, parking lot, drinking fountain, restroom enclosure, trail head interpretive signage, walking trails and a dog park. The project is anticipated to be completed in spring of 2015.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes naming of a trail at Panther Springs Park to "Wyatt's Way". 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 a trail, "Wyatt's Way", and allow it to be unnamed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no General Fund impact from this action. The trail and signage is part of the 2012-2017 Bond Program with no additional funding needed for this naming.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the naming of a trail at Panther Springs Park to "Wyatt's Way".