At its April 28, 2014, business session, the City Council voted unanimously to add to the May 12 business meeting an action to rename the baseball field at Arrowhead Park as Chirrick Field in honor of former coach and sports leader Greg Chirrick. The Heights National Little League sent a letter (attached), asking the City Council to do the renaming.   Mr. Chirrick died following a heart attack outside the field's dugout on April 24, 2013, during the opening game of the Heights National Little League season.  He was involved in coaching hockey, football and baseball, as well as supporting people who asked for financial help for sports.  Since his death, his sons have assumed some of his activities, designing a memorial patch for him for Heights baseball players' uniforms, and coaching in his place.

After learning of the request, the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Board asked that it be postponed until a policy on renaming of public parks, facilities and recreation areas could be developed.  That policy (attached) was adopted March 12, 2014.  It says in part that a facility may be renamed for an individual who has been deceased for at least two years and who has provided outstanding public service for the good of the community in regards to parks, trails and/or open space.  Normally, the application would be considered by the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Board and, if approved, forwarded to the City Council for action.   In light of the Council's unanimous vote, however, it was decided to have the Council act directly on the request.

The Council may:

• Approve the renaming request;
• Deny the renaming request; or
• Postpone action on the request.

The Heights National Little League has volunteered to install a sign on the scoreboard at the ball filed, as well as making some aesthetic improvements on and around the field.  There should be no additional costs attached to the renaming.

Staff recommends approval of the renaming.