20220627-B6: Proposed Renaming of Pan American Neighborhood Park — original pdf

Recommendation

PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20220627-B6 June 27, 2022 Seconded By: Board Member Lewis Proposed Renaming of Pan American Neighborhood Park Date: Subject: Motioned By: Board Member Moore Recommendation: The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council that, in lieu of renaming Pan American Neighborhood Park, a plaque be added to the park to honor Mr. Castillo and his numerous contributions and achievements to this area, and that any related application or administrative costs be waived to the applicant by Council. Rationale: WHEREAS, Pan American Neighborhood Park is located in District 3 of East Austin and has grown to serve as an important cultural, historical and recreation area for the community and visitors; and WHEREAS, a comprehensive and competitive community-driven naming competition was held which led to the current designation of this space as Pan American Neighborhood Park; and WHEREAS, the described purpose of this name was to honor unity across North, Central and South America, and it was significantly supported by Korean War veterans returning to East Austin at the time; and WHEREAS, Coach Augustine "Tony" Castillo has provided a culturally significant contribution to the community, including, but not limited to, founding competitive sports teams, hosting league tournaments for neighborhood youth, coaching high school sports, serving on the Pan American Community Advisory Board and functioning in a mentor role and providing a positive influence for the community; and WHEREAS, upon receiving an application in accordance with City of Austin ordinance, Parks and Recreation Department staff conducted a community engagement process to determine public support for the renaming of Pan American Neighborhood Park; and WHEREAS, though results of the proposed renaming showed an incredible degree of gratitude and reverence for Mr. Castillo, the engagement results specific to District 3 in which this Park is located did not show decisive support to rename Pan American Neighborhood Park at this time; and WHEREAS, public input cited additional individuals who have also made significant contributions to the evolution of Pan American Neighborhood Park as a cultural, historical and recreational resource; and 1 of 2  WHEREAS, a plaque recognizing a deserving individual or group may be placed by the park feature without naming or renaming the park facility in which the plaque is placed, and additional plaques recognizing other individuals or groups may be placed at the same feature location; and WHEREAS, naming a park feature can be done administratively without City Council approval; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council that, in lieu of renaming Pan American Neighborhood Park, a plaque be added to the park to honor Mr. Castillo and his numerous contributions and achievements to this area, and that any related application or administrative costs be waived to the applicant by Council. Vote: Board Member Moore made a motion to recommend to Austin City Council that, in lieu of renaming Pan American Neighborhood Park, a plaque be added to the park to honor Mr. Castillo and his numerous contributions and achievements to this area, and that any related application or administrative costs be waived to the applicant by Council. Board Member Lewis seconded the motion. The Motion passed on a vote of 6-0 with Board Member Flowers abstaining, and Board Members Hugman, Barnard, Taylor and DePalma absent. For: Chair Laura Cottam Sajbel, Vice-Chair Sarah Faust, Board Members Nina Rinaldi, Anna Di Carlo, Patrick Moore and Dawn Lewis. Board Member Kathryn Flowers. Board Members Lisa Hugman, Nancy Barnard, Kim Taylor and Richard DePalma. Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: 2 of 2