R2022-87 Resolution Naming Certain City-Owned Property in the Central Business District

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June 16, 2022 TO: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe & Decatur City Council Members FROM: Scot Wrighton, City Manage RE: Naming of Park/Open Space in Downtown Decatur The city of Decatur acquired a second park in the central business district accidentally several years ago. Since the space on the west side of North Water Street between William and North Streets has now become an accepted and relatively permanent component of the downtown's open space, and because it seems unlikely that the open space will be used anytime soon for the economic development purposes for which it was initially cleared and prepared, some local citizens have requested that the open space be named for Preston Jackson—a native of Decatur who grew up in the community, and who has since distinguished himself as a sculptor, teacher and creator of public art. One of Mr. Jackson's sculptures is currently on display in the center of this open space across Water Street from the ADM City Center; it commemorates the sacrifice and patriotism of African Americans who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Since this unsolicited request for park naming was first received, staff has sought input from organizations that utilize downtown municipal open spaces. Most agree that this open space is a valuable addition to the downtown, and that it adds to the feel and ambience created by the 2009 downtown streetscape project, and other downtown streetscape improvements maintained daily by the city's Public Works Department. It was also believed that retaining all or a portion of this area as public open space for outdoor special events, displays and festivals would augment Central Park's role in attracting additional activity to the downtown area. Mr. Jackson currently lives in Peoria. He has communicated to the city that he is honored to be recognized in this manner. If the attached naming resolution is approved, Mr. Jackson has also agreed to attend a dedication ceremony sometime in the future, after suitable plaques and markers are designed and manufactured by the city. Mayor Moore Wolfe thought it would be fitting that the formal decision to name the park in honor of Mr.Jackson occur close to the 2022 observance of Juneteenth—even though formal park dedication will be later in the year. There are no formal deed restrictions on this property. The Jackson artwork was placed in the center of the open space to give the city flexibility in the future to build structures on the north and south sides of the park if it served the city's economic development objectives, and still retain the artwork in the center. The City Council should reserve the right to make such improvements the future, and this is reflected in the attached resolution. The City Council may assign any name to its open spaces that the governing body deems appropriate. Besides naming the park after Preston Jackson, the proposed resolution points out that the City Council reserves the right to re-purpose this property for economic development purposes in the future if a future City Council makes such a decision—in which case the Jackson sculpture would be retained where it is, or relocated to another suitable public location.