Title:
Title
Renaming Nuevo Park as Robert Brookins Park
End
FileID
File ID: 2019-00544
Location
Location: District 2
Recommendation:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution: 1) approving the renaming of Nuevo Park as Robert Brookins Park; 2) establishing a new capital improvement project for District 2 Small Projects (L19114200); and 3) appropriating $20,000 from Park Impact Fee Available Fund Balance (Fund 3204) to the District 2 Small Projects (L19114200) project.
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
3-Resolution
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: The Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment (Department) recommends approving the renaming of Nuevo Park as Robert Brookins Park.
Nuevo Park is an existing 6.82-acre neighborhood park located at 510 Hayes Avenue in North Sacramento (District 2). Existing park amenities include a children’s playground, a group picnic area with barbeques, a soccer lawn, and a stage. This existing park name was based on the name of the Del Paso Nuevo housing development. A new sign and plaque will need to be installed if the park is renamed as Robert Brookins Park.
Robert Franklin Brookins Jr. was born on October 7, 1962 in the Del Paso Heights area of Sacramento, California. Robert was a respected professional singer, songwriter and producer who began singing at the age of four. In 1974, when he was 12, he won the Motown Records Soul Search competition with his group Little Robert and the Fondeles. By the time he was 18 years old, he had mastered all types of instruments including the drums, keyboard, bass, guitar and horn instruments. It was around this time that Robert performed for President Ronald Reagan at the White House in Washington D.C.
In 1981, Robert Brookins and his brother Michael joined the band Afterbach and provided vocals for the album “Matinee.” This album was produced by Maurice and Verdine White, creators of Earth, Wind & Fire. Earth, Wind & Fire is a 6-time Grammy winning American band. The band’s genre incorporates musical elements from rhythm and blues, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, and rock. Earth, Wind & Fire has been described as one of the most innovative and commercially successful acts of all time, and the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in early 2000. It was after Robert contributed vocals for Maurice and Verdine White’s album that he became Earth, Wind & Fire’s musical director and keyboard player throughout the early 2000s.
Robert has worked as a writer and a producer for artists such as Bobby Brown, Deniece Williams, The Whispers, Ramsey Lewis, Nancy Wilson and many others. He sang on singer George Duke’s self-titled 1986 album which led to a solo deal with MCA Records. He completed two solo albums titled “In the Night” and “Let It Be Me.”
Robert played at many venues throughout Sacramento including former Sacramento Kings’ player Chris Webber’s Center Court restaurant in Natomas and First Fridays in Sacramento.
Unfortunately, Robert passed away from a heart attack on April 15, 2009 at age 46. Funeral services were held on April 25, 2009 at Grant Union High School where Robert was an alumnus. The City of Sacramento appreciates Robert Brookins’ contribution to arts and culture.
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 posthumously.
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: Not Applicable
Environmental Considerations: The proposed project consists of the construction and installation of two new small structures - a new park sign and a new plaque. The construction of a new park sign is exempt from environmental review pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures.
Sustainability: Not Applicable
Commission/Committee Action: The park renaming will be considered by the Parks and Recreation Commission at its June 6, 2019 meeting. If the Commission does not recommend renaming Del Paso Nuevo Park as Robert Brookins Park, staff will notify the Council.
Rationale for Recommendation: Renaming Nuevo Park as Robert Brookins Park 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 who has contributed significantly to the community or the facility at least one year after their passing.
Financial Considerations: There are sufficient funds in the Park Impact Fee Fund Available Fund balance (Fund 3204) to support the proposed transfer of $20,000 to the District 2 Small Projects (L19114200) project to cover the costs for the sign and plaque.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not Applicable