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(1) This section shall apply to county parks and recreation facilities that are managed by the department.

(2) The department is authorized to name a county park or recreation facility subject to this section by reference to the established name of a neighborhood or natural feature located on or in close proximity to the park or recreation facility. Any other name must be assigned by the county council.

(3) The county council may by motion name a county park or recreation facility by reference to:

(a) A person, place, event, or other matter of historical or cultural significance;

(b) A person, living or deceased, who has made significant contributions of land or money to county parks or recreation facilities;

(c) A person, living or deceased, who has made other significant contributions to county parks or recreational programs over a period of several years that have provided substantial benefits to the general public; or

(d) Any other person, entity, or matter based on considerations determined appropriate by the council including, but not limited to, the name of a neighborhood or natural feature as described in subsection (2) of this section or a legal obligation associated with contractual naming rights.

(4) All names of county parks and recreation facilities must be consistent with the following policies:

(a) A county park or recreation facility shall not be assigned a name that by contemporary community standards is derogatory, offensive, distasteful, or in violation of generally accepted moral standards.

(b) The following names should usually be avoided:

(i) Names of other public entities, including names of cities, towns, and governmental agencies, unless the entity contributes significantly to the establishment or maintenance of the park or facility; and

(ii) Names that may be confused with an existing park or recreation facility located within the county.

(c) The following names are encouraged:

(i) Names that describe the primary use of a park or recreation facility;

(ii) Names that lend dignity to a park or recreation facility;

(iii) Names that represent enduring values, honor, or merit rather than passing notoriety or popularity; and

(iv) Names that are commensurate with the importance of the facility.

(d) Interior features of a park or recreation facility may be assigned names other than that of the park or facility in which they are located.

(5) County residents may petition the county to name a county park or recreation facility as provided in this subsection.

(a) A petition to name a county park or recreation facility must:

(i) Be filed with the department;

(ii) Be signed by 50 or more county residents, whose residence addresses shall be stated on the petition;

(iii) Identify the name to be assigned the park or recreation facility and provide a statement of reasons for the assignment and an explanation of how the name is consistent with the policies set out in subsection (4) of this section;

(iv) Designate a contact person, whose residence address and telephone number shall be stated on the petition;

(v) Include or be accompanied by relevant documentation; and

(vi) Contain any additional information required by the department.

(b) The department may solicit petitions through a formal request for proposal process if approved in advance by the county council.

(c) The department shall review each petition for compliance with this section and forward the petition to the advisory board established by SCC 2.16.030. The department shall confer with the advisory board regarding the merits of the petition and thereafter file with the clerk of the council written recommendations for disposition of the petition of both the department and the advisory board. The recommendations shall be filed within 60 days after the petition is filed with the department.

(d) The county council will consider the petition and recommendations and take such action on the petition as it considers appropriate, if any.

(6) If the county council assigns a name to a county park or recreation facility, the department shall in consultation with the department of facilities and fleet identify the park or facility with appropriate signage.

(7) This section shall not limit the ability of the county council to name or change the name of any county park or recreation facility after such other procedure as the council determines appropriate, which may include advice or recommendations of the department or advisory board established by SCC 2.16.030. (Added by Ord. 09-109, Oct. 28, 2009, Eff date Nov. 15, 2009; Amended by Ord. 19-013, May 8, 2019, Eff date May 19, 2019).