Agenda Item # 8.C.
City Commission Day Meeting 9:00 AM
- Meeting Date:
- 04/13/2026
- Re
- Recommendation from the Parks Advisory Committee to Initiate a Call for Submissions for the Pioneer Park Plaque Program
- Submitted For:
- Devoshay Johnson
SUBJECT:
Recommendation from the Parks Advisory Committee to Initiate a Call for Submissions for the Pioneer Park Plaque Program
SUMMARY:
The last Call for Submissions for the Pioneer Park Plaque Program took place in 2024. During the City Commission Day Meeting on April 8, 2024, the former Chair of the Parks Advisory Committee presented thirteen nominees for approval to implement the first set of Pioneer Park Plaques.
The City Commission did not approve these nominees. Concerns were raised regarding the need to remove “living individuals” from the eligibility criteria, insufficient participation from local churches, and the absence of names that the Commission believed should have been submitted for consideration.
Due to the cultural and historical significance of the program, the Parks Advisory Committee strongly supports launching a new call for submissions that will address previous concerns as well as any additional considerations from the City Commission.
The attached proposed revised guidelines have been updated to eliminate the inclusion of “living” individuals. If approved by the City Commission, a final version will be provided for your approval by way of a resolution.
Program Budget Allocation Recommendation
The Committee recommends that a minimum of 18 to 21 names be considered for the initial implementation of the program. The estimated cost for each plaque is approximately $2,662, resulting in a total estimated budget of $45,000 to $56,000. These plaques will be made of bronze, measuring 18"x 24", and will be installed on the park's concrete wall at the intersection of Avenue M and N. 29th Street.
The City Commission did not approve these nominees. Concerns were raised regarding the need to remove “living individuals” from the eligibility criteria, insufficient participation from local churches, and the absence of names that the Commission believed should have been submitted for consideration.
Due to the cultural and historical significance of the program, the Parks Advisory Committee strongly supports launching a new call for submissions that will address previous concerns as well as any additional considerations from the City Commission.
The attached proposed revised guidelines have been updated to eliminate the inclusion of “living” individuals. If approved by the City Commission, a final version will be provided for your approval by way of a resolution.
Program Budget Allocation Recommendation
The Committee recommends that a minimum of 18 to 21 names be considered for the initial implementation of the program. The estimated cost for each plaque is approximately $2,662, resulting in a total estimated budget of $45,000 to $56,000. These plaques will be made of bronze, measuring 18"x 24", and will be installed on the park's concrete wall at the intersection of Avenue M and N. 29th Street.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Parks Advisory Committee Recommends that the City Commission initiate a Call for Submissions for the Pioneer Park Plaque Program.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Parks Advisory Committee will proceed as directed by the Commission.
RESPONSIBLE STAFF:
Marsha Commond, Special Projects Coordinator
COORDINATED WITH:
Parks Advisory Committee
Fiscal Impact
- Budgeted Y/N:
- N
- Fiscal Year:
- 2025-2026
- Account:
- N/A
- Amount:
- $45,000 - $56,000
OTHER INFORMATION:
N/A