Title:
Title
Renaming Natomas Oaks Park as Ray and Judy Tretheway Oak Preserve
End
FileID
File ID: 2020-00815
Location
Location: District 4
End
Recommendation:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution approving the renaming of Natomas Oaks Park as Ray and Judy Tretheway Oak Preserve.
FileName
Contact: Brianna Moland, Assistant Planner, (916) 808-6188; Raymond Costantino, Park Planning and Development Services Division Manager, (916) 808-1941, Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment
Body
Presenter: None
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Park Location Map (Natomas Oaks Park)
3-Resolution
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: The Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment (Department) recommends approving the renaming of Natomas Oaks Park as Ray and Judy Tretheway Oak Preserve.
Natomas Oaks Park is an existing 12.8-acre community park located at 2230 River Plaza Drive in South Natomas (District 4). Existing park amenities include group and individual picnic areas, a lawn area, and a natural preserve. Natomas Oaks Park was named after the oak woodland in the area. To commemorate the naming as Ray and Judy Tretheway Oak Preserve, new signage and a plaque will be installed. The project CIP has already been funded on July 21, 2020 under the staff report: Establish Capital Improvement Project and Appropriation of Funds to Council District 4 Various Park Project. The CIP scope includes two new concrete monument park signs, one new dedication plaque, and interpretive signage.
There are also individual park features at Natomas Oaks Park that are named after significant contributors to the City of Sacramento. The oak grove on the eastern side of the park is named after Austin Brown Carroll. The group picnic area on the western side of the park was dedicated after Archie Hefner (per Resolution No. 90-439). The names of these individual park features will not be changing.
Since moving to South Natomas in 1978, Ray and Judy Tretheway have dedicated themselves to the community and this city, championing the need for parks, open space, civic engagement, and healthy neighborhoods. Founders of the South Natomas Community Association, Ray lifted up neighborhood voices and priorities on a wide range of city planning and development issues. The Natomas News (monthly newspaper mailed to all residents) was started to keep neighbors informed and activated. As South Natomas entered its growth spurt in the late 80’s Judy took over the enterprise and published the Natomas Journal stimulating and addressing the needs of local businesses, schools, youth sports, clubs, libraries, fun runs, circuses and engagement with local crime, flood and development issues.
Ray’s activism was critical to the city’s acquisition of the six-acre oak woodland now known as the Bannon Creek Parkway, Bannon Island and the two acres expanding the Natomas Heritage Oak Grove. It was Ray and his neighborhood colleagues that successfully lobbied the City of Sacramento to acquire and designate this park as a nature preserve.
Ray helped found the Sacramento Tree Foundation in 1982. After serving on the Board of Directors, Ray became its first employee and later its Executive Director, serving in that role for over 30 years. During his tenure, the Tree Foundation has partnered with every city and county in the region. Focusing on the rich legacy of trees in the city and county of Sacramento, Ray led the Trees for Tomorrow campaign, a successful 10 year-long, one million tree planting effort. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District joined the campaign to launch Sacramento Shade, which today represents the world's most impactful summer energy savings and carbon sequestration nonprofit-utility partnership, engaging and educating over 250,000 volunteer tree planters. Ray served on the Sacramento City Council from 2002 to 2012 as the District 1 representative advocating for responsible growth, local jobs, quality schools, parks, open space and bikeways, youth services, and flood protection.
This beautiful park, a heritage oak grove, has special meaning for Ray and Judy - it is Judy’s sanctuary where she comes to be supported by these majestic trees in her personal healing, as a spiritual counselor, and while guiding Forest Bathing experiences. Their daughter was married here in 2005.
The City of Sacramento would like to personally thank Ray, Judy, and their family for their commitment to this city and this community.
Policy Considerations: On February 26, 2008, the City Council adopted Resolution 2008-112, establishing a Facility Naming Policy. The policy contains guidance when naming facilities or portions of facilities. One of the guiding policies encourages facilities to be named for individuals or families that have contributed significantly to the community or facility. Priority should be given to a deserving local individual or family.
Providing parks and recreation facilities is consistent with the City’s strategic plan to enhance livability in Sacramento’s neighborhoods by expanding park, recreation, and trail facilities throughout the City. Park naming is part of the Park Development Process as outlined in the City of Sacramento’s 2005-2010 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Economic Impacts: Park Impact Fees were used to fund this CIP for new signage and the approval went to City Council on July 21st as part of a multi-project approval.
Environmental Considerations: Not Applicable
Sustainability: Not Applicable
Commission/Committee Action: The park renaming is scheduled for consideration by the Parks and Community Enrichment Commission at its August 6, 2020 meeting. If the Commission does not recommend renaming Natomas Oaks Park as Ray and Judy Tretheway Oak Preserve, staff will inform the Council of the Commission’s action.
Rationale for Recommendation: Renaming Natomas Oaks Park as Ray and Judy Tretheway Oak Preserve is consistent with the City’s Facility Naming Policy. The policy allows for facilities to be named for historical significance, distinct developmental features, neighborhood, community, or access streets, or an individual or family who has contributed significantly to the community or the facility.
Financial Considerations: This report does not have a financial impact to the General Fund.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not Applicable