HomeMy WebLinkAbout39A - KIWANIS PARK RENAMINGREQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
DECEMBER 15, 2020
TITLE:
APPROVE RENAMING OF THE KIWANIS
BARRIER FREE PLAYGROUND AT CARL
THORNTON PARK TO THE "GEORGE
UPTON ALL ACCESS PARK"
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
❑ As Recommended
❑ As Amended
❑ Ordinance on 1� Reading
❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading
❑ Implementing Resolution
❑ Set Public Hearing For
CONTINUED TO
/s/ Kristine Ridge FILE NUMBER
CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve renaming of the Kiwanis Barrier Free Playground to the "George Upton All Access Park."
DISCUSSION
At the December 1, 2020 City Council meeting, Councilmembers Bacerra and Mendoza submitted
an agenda item (85A) to propose renaming the Kiwanis Barrier Free Playground to George Upton
All Access Park and the balance of the City Council members concurred.
George Upton was born in Tampa Florida on October 15, 1920 and passed away peacefully in his
sleep on June 26, 2019 at the age of 98. He grew up in San Bernardino, California and joined the
US Navy during WWII. He fought in the Pacific and served on the USS Bolinas and USS Manila
Bay from 1942-1945. After the war, he worked for Siamese Airways and while on a layover in New
York City in October of 1947, he met Jean, the love of his life, on a blind date. After getting married
there in January during the blizzard of 1948 by Norman Vincent Peale, George and Jean moved
to California and ultimately settled in Santa Ana where they raised their family.
He earned his BA in business from Woodbury College on the GI Bill, receiving the honors of suma
cum laude. George worked in advertising, pharmaceutical sales and management, and for the
County of Orange until he went into the car business. He finally retired in 1982. In retirement,
George found his passion in philanthropic work. He served as an elder and deacon for the First
Presbyterian Church of Santa Ana, was President of the Friends of the Santa Ana Public Library,
was a Flotilla commander and Division Captain for the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and in his spare
time taught boating and navigation courses at Santa Ana College.
George joined the Kiwanis Club of the Santa Ana in 1980, was Kiwanian of the Year in 1982, and
served as President from 1995-1996. He worked tirelessly with fellow Kiwanians to improve the
lives of special needs children in Santa Ana, volunteering at Carl Harvey School, and helping to
create the Kiwanis Barrier Free Playground in Santa Ana. Annually the Kiwanis club hosts the
"George Upton Picnic" at the park.
After George's passing, his commitment to the Kiwanis Barrier Free Playground continued as
donations were made, in lieu of flowers, to the Kiwanis Foundation for the Barrier Free Playground.
39A-1
Re -naming Kiwanis Barrier Free Playground to "George Upton All Access Park"
December 15, 2020
Page 2
Sections 33-5 and 33- 6 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC) govern the naming of streets
and public facilities, including parks, park playgrounds, and other recreational facilities. The
municipal code includes guidelines for the naming or renaming of these facilities and identifies
policy guidelines.
In general, the naming or renaming of parks and public facilities should consider:
• A name that serves to identify the location of the subject area.
• A name that references the history of the site or area.
• A name that identifies a person or family, which made extraordinary donation of land or
funds to promote the improvement of the public facility.
• A name that recognizes a person or family who made a significant contribution to the
wellbeing of the City, including City Council. Commissioners, Officers and employees of the
City, but not anyone who currently holds such position.
Based on the guidelines established in the SAMC and in consideration of George Upton's
significant contributions to the community, including efforts to create and construct the Kiwanis
Barrier Free Playground at Carl Thornton Park, staff recommends the renaming of the Kiwanis
Barrier Free Playground at Carl Thornton Park to the "George Upton All Access Park."
FISCAL IMPACT
The Kiwanis Club will provide the new sign and the City will install. Therefore, there is no fiscal
impact related to this action.
Submitted By: Lisa Rudloff, Executive Director— Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Agency
39A-2