Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Parks and Recreation Department

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Ernie Shaw, Director Parks and Recreation
CC:	Cynthia Wagner, Assistant City Manager Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager
Date:	November 26, 2012
RE:	Park Naming – Firefighter’s Remembrance Park

In late June, we received a letter from Rachel McSwain and family requesting the unnamed park at 19th Street and Haskell Avenue be named in memory of her late husband, Jim McSwain, who served as fire chief from 1979-2005.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board discussed the request at its July 2012 regular meeting and directed staff to look into a more inclusive concept to include all firefighters in the park’s naming and allow for other firefighters to be honored.

At the November advisory board meeting, I proposed the park be named Firefighter’s Remembrance Park. On the park’s signage it would also include “dedicated in honor of Jim McSwain, Chief 1979-2005.” With the park being named to honor all firefighters, it would allow for other firefighters to be recognized through donations to the Memorial Tree Program, benches and other amenities within the park.  Rachel and family were in attendance at the meeting and are supportive of the concept.  The board moved to recommend to the City Commission naming the park “Firefighter’s Remembrance Park” with the additional recognition to Jim McSwain (listed above) to be on the park’s signage.  The vote passed 4-0.

We would like to have the item placed on the Tuesday, Dec.  4, City Commission agenda as a consent agenda item.