Park Board to consider names for three city parks

MURPHY (October 20, 2010) The City of Murphy is in a unique position of having more parks than it has names for, and the Parks and Recreation Board is in the process of gathering input from the public on which names would be appropriate for each of the parks, according to Kim Lenoir, Community Services Manager.

“Anyone can submit a name for a park or recreation facility that does not now have an official name, as long as a few simple rules are followed,” she said. “Right now, the parks currently known as Bunny Run and City Park in the Timbers, the new large community park to be developed at the Municipal Complex, and the new Community Center undergoing renovations at the Old City Hall property all need officially adopted names,” she added.

Bunny Run and City Park is located at 324 Pine Top Drive and 1 Bunny Run Drive in the Timbers and is some 30 acres in size. Central Park, at the Municipal Complex 206 North Murphy Road, measures at over 40 acres, and the Old Murphy School Community Center, across the street from the Municipal Complex, is about five acres in size.

The rules governing the naming of these facilities can be found in the Policy for Naming Parks and Recreation Facilities. Ultimately, the City Council will make the decision on the names, but will do so only after considering recommendations from the Parks Board, and the Board is actively seeking public input.

Proposals for names are divided into several categories including:
• Prominent physical features adjacent to the park such as a lake, river or creek;
• Significant historical event or events which occurred in or near the park;
• Street or avenue adjacent to the park;
• Subdivision in which the park is located;
• Texas or U.S. figure who has contributed to improving the public’s quality of life;
• Individual or group that has made exceptional contributions to the City of Murphy, especially in the areas of parks or recreation such as:

o Donating or contributing a significant amount for the acquisition or development of a park or facilities within a park;

o Providing direct and noteworthy volunteer services benefitting the local population.

“While we strive to revere leaders who have made major personal sacrifices or in-kind contributions to the parks movement, the policy is nevertheless clear in prohibiting consideration of any person who is currently holding an elected office or membership on the Park board,” she added.

To be considered, a proposed name should be submitted to the Park and Recreation Board along with the following justification:

• Specific reason for the suggested name, including supporting documentation, if any; and

• Substantiation of community support for the proposed name.

Petitions may be submitted in support of a name, but the petitions must clearly indicate the intent of the petition and include signatures, printed names, full street addresses and phone numbers of signers to verify residency.

According to the policy, the board will accept nominations, review and study the nomination packets and forward a recommended name to the City Council for final determination.

Suggested park names may be submitted to Kim Lenoir, Community Services Manager, at (972) 468-4068 or klenoir@murphytx.org. Additional information regarding the park construction projects can be found on the City’s website at http://www.murphytx.org..