TITLE
Recommendation to refer to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Housing and Neighborhoods Committee the proposed names of "Willow Springs Park" for the park between Willow Street and Spring Street, Orange Avenue and California Avenue, and both options "Sunset Point at Willow Springs Park" and “Longview Point at Willow Springs Park” for the four acres currently being developed at the top of the park.
DISCUSSION
The park that has had the working title of "California Gardens" is nearing the completion of its first phase, and is scheduled to be open on November 1, 2012. Accordingly, a name competition was held over the last two months in which Long Beach residents were asked to submit their name suggestions for the park. Overwhelmingly, residents chose “Willow Springs Park” as the name they would like to see for this future 47-acre park.
“Willow Springs Park” is an appropriate name due to the long history this site has had and it's role in the founding of Long Beach. Willow Springs Park began as the City’s original water source in 1882 due to the natural springs that were on the site and has long been known for the willow trees that are plentiful on the property. These characteristics led to the naming of Willow and Spring Streets adjacent to the property.
The master planning for the entire park site is ongoing, and is scheduled to be complete in early 2013. The first four acres of the property are nearing completion and are ready to be dedicated as park space. As these acres are the highest accessible acres in the City of Long Beach, with beautiful views of the sunset over the Palos Verdes Peninsula, it has been suggested that the first four acres be called "Sunset Point at Willow Springs Park." Additionally, the name “Longview Point at Willow Springs Park” has been suggested to highlight the panoramic views that are present from this property. It is requested that the Parks and Recreation Commission deliberate on these options and recommend...
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