Loading...
Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC) - 23 Jul 2024 - Agenda - Pdf.pdf City of Atlantic Beach Agenda Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC) Meeting Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - 6:00 p.m. City Hall, Commission Chamber 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 Page(s) 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3. COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS 4. REPORTS FROM STAFF 4.A. 2024 Event Calendar 1. Movie in the Park, “Trolls,” Sunset Saturday, Aug. 24, Bull Park 2. Fall Festival – 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, Donner Park 3. Family Fun Day and Campout – Festival 4-8 p.m. Saturday, October 19, and camping overnight, Russell Park 4. Jazz Fest – 3 til 8 or 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, Johansen Park 5. Veterans Day Ceremony – 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, Beaches Veterans Memorial Park 6. Artisans’ Faire – 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 – Bull Park 7. Beaches Town Center Holiday Festival and Tree-Lighting – 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 4.B. Staff/volunteer coordinator update 4.C. Tennis/pickleball instructor regulations 4.D. Boys and Girls Clubs summer program 4.E. FY 2024-25 budget 1. Turtle Crawl 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.A. Proposed renaming of Marvin’s Garden Park Park Naming Request Documents 3 - 30 6. ONGOING BUSINESS 6.A. FY 2023-24 grant cycle update 6.B. FY 2024-25 grant cycle planning Page 1 of 30 Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC) - 23 Jul 2024 7. OPEN DISCUSSION/ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA 8. ADJOURNMENT Any person wishing to speak to the Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee on any matter at this meeting should submit a Comment Card located at the entrance to Commission Chamber prior to the start of the meeting. This meeting will be live-streamed and videotaped. The video recording will be posted within four business days on the City's website. To access live or recorded videos, visit www.coab.us/live. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26 of the Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodations to participate in this meeting should contact City Clerk Donna Bartle at (904) 247-5809 or Deputy City Clerk Ladayija Nichols at (904) 247-5821 or at City Hall, 800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, Florida not less than three (3) business days prior to the date of this meeting. Page 2 of 30 Naming/Renaming Summary Document for Parks,Recreation Areas, and Buildings Address:1609 Coquina Place Proposed name:Eleanor and Garnett Ashby MemorialPark (Ashby Park) If renaming,what is the current name of the park,recreation area,or building?NA. Although the park has a “Marvin’s Garden Park”sign and is identi?edinsome City documen ts as a park,it is apparent that the name is unof?cial,as there evidently is no record or indication of City Commission approval. Staff Member Facilitating Naming/Renaming Consideration Name:Kevin Hogencamp Title:Deputy City Manager Phone Number:(904)247-5804 Email Address:khogencamp@coab.us Date:July 18,2024 Requester Information (if applicable) Name:Sandy Martin Address:2205 Fleet Landing Blvd.Atlantic Beach Phone Number:(904)252—0517 Email Address:smartin92@comcast.net Park Information.Is this request for a new park name (naming)or a change to an existing park name (renaming)?(Select one) o Namin o Renaming.To the best of City staff’s knowledge,does this request adhere to the guidelines of the City’s park,recreation area and building naming policy?(Egg/No)If not,please explain..Brie?y explain the proposed name (250 words or less):Sandy Martin advises that “Marvin” is her family’s late dog,which routinely was in the park and o?en against the family’s wishes, and one day a neighbor hung a “Marvin’s Garden”sign to a tree near where Marvin sat.Years later,in 2000,Ms.Martin was surprised to see that park name had made it into a book about Atlantic Beach.Ms.Martin and others desire to name the park after Eleanor and Garnett Ashby, who —unlike Marvin —signi?cantly contributed to the neighborhood,the community,and greater Jacksonville..Is the name easy to understand and pronounce?(Egg/No).Departments,organizations,or individuals who have been consulted regarding the proposed name,if applicable: 0 City Manager’s Of?ce Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 3 of 30 o Planning/Community Development 0 Public Works.(Optional)Attach any supporting documents (e.g.,historical records,letters of support). Attachments: 0 City of Atlantic Beach Park,Recreation Areas and Building Naming Policy attached. 0 Letters of support,obituaries,and additional documentation attached. Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 4 of 30 w II A I I I1] IIII II I I I 24 ; I I I lrl II II"-, I." .1 n |_. |.I II I I "[.II "I. II I II _, (II VI =I II III I I II '| I. I .'l I 2.II .|. J-I II RE:Garnett and Eleanor Ashby Park TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN My name is Sandra Martin (formerly Sheppard).I am here to ask for your consideration in naming the passive park on Dewees Avenue for long-time residents and good neighbors,Eleanor and Garnett Ashby. The park is a small triangle bounded by Dewees on the north and Coquina Place on the West.it has become known as Marvin's Garden.Marvin was our dog and we have no desire to name this park after him.(See "As to Marvin's Garden below.) Garnett and Eleanor grew up in Jacksonville where Garnett met,proposed to and married Eleanor.But after returning from their honeymoon in 1954,they decided to move to Atlantic Beach and live in the house at the foot of Dewees Ave——anddid so for the rest of their lives. The Sheppard family moved to Dewees Avenue in 1972.Although our mailing address was Atlantic Beach,legally Jacksonville governed all the land east of Seminole Rd,from 16th Street to Hannah Park.Neither the dog catcher northe police patrolled. My ?rst encounter with the Ashbys was with Garnett on Beach Ave.about the Dewees Ave.access to the beach.The access offered a ladder from the bulkhead to the granite boulders below.i mentioned my dilemma of getting both of our kids,ages 5 years and 16 months,down the leader,across the boulders to the beach and said I planned to call the city of Jacksonville about building a walkover.He immediately volunteered that we could use his oceanfront yard to get to the beach —"we did not want to be on Jacksonville‘s radar”.So we,along with our neighbors,traipsed through their side yard for quite a few years making a path to the ocean.On his 50th birthday,in appreciation of his generosity,we bought stepping stones to cover the path we had made. As the builder of Kona Skate Park,Garnett was generous with free passes for the boys on Dewees.And at least two weddings of our children were held in their yard. Eleanor became the director of Leadership Jacksonville the year after I went through, but the alumni planned the next year's programs.I was in charge of one of those program days.And Eleanor could not have been more supportive even when one of my speakers was a "no show.”Her directorship continued for 20 years. Both of them were Legends of Jacksonville and the Beaches,but for me the Ashbys were the "family in the big house,"and our good neighbors. February 29,2024 Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 5 of 30 February 29,2024 As to Marvin's Garden Marvin was our family's undisciplined,infamous black-lab mix who would follow our daughter,Laura,when she babysat for the Morton family on Coquina Place.Marvin would wait for Laura across the street in the park.Someone in the Morton family wood burned a board "Marvin's Garden"and nailed it to the tree above where Marvin sat.All the neighbors knew Marvin,for good or ill,so it was nothing more than an . acknowledgement.He did very little,if anything,too contribute to the neighborhood. Then in the early 2000's,i bought this cute little book by a local teacher,Paula O'Bannon,The Tale of Atlantic Bea h.And,lo and behold,there on page 48 under "Passive Parks"was a paragraph on "Marvin's Garden." Although this is a funny happenstance,please,let's name it for the people who deserve the honor:Eleanor and Garnett Ashby. Sincerely, Sandy Martin 2205 Fleet Landing Blvd Atlantic Bch,Fl 32233 Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 6 of 30 {spun-nun! wmwMF?-I-Hl?l n-a-I-umulllr-I-i?-l-r?-??l?- L-r.null—II.“Hut-m-I-II-l-rrl'ul-l l MI?-"u?u-I-I'I-ril-l-l'-'l"|"|--—-- diH-ulu?ur-‘J-Il-‘I?*?-I I-Frill—'5- .-'_-u.|.:.l||.+l-I..-IE—FI'.III-H'Il-dll r-rI-I-l-I-l—I-I'II'eII—I'I-I-li h'l-I'I-Idl'r-I-nl-I-l-h-I -|-HI'I-II-'lIl-I'-I--I--'l'-lll—l'"l'l-I- I“kul?uanl-?—w-Ijmq-II. m-anna-I'll:I?lm—“w'l'i' wW-—F-Iul?ul'l—I'ul?l??-lhlf?l'l+f “1-.I.“hi-?Hu—hl-?-h mull-“'- ‘l-I'I'I "mi-“ml |.-._ll.-.I.I-IrI.-r--Il-.rrr mun-fur.I.rlr|'r|'--.‘—I'---'l---l-l ”Ja—Hm-nn-nm-H Ill-I-ill-il-l-h' FW-wupmm—l-Iql?-l?'?'? .rhu‘m-Iu?r-I'n-.III'?r-I-H'I'I'-"1"""" —|||-—'Hll--I-I.Il.l.rl -I--l-l--rI-.-'-I'-'F--F-"'I'Fl-l 'I—I-I'IJII-l—I'II'I-I-I—II--.b.“'I-":-I-|-'-'-'h |" 4—1--LIP-III-LI-I'I'I'II'I'I-l Iv'II-I'Fl-FI'I'J'I-‘III'I r—...-I-I-II.I.-I.-.l-.IJ-rlrl--I-I-'r'—'-r|-—l-l'l'-I-|. ——-|-l—l?-In'mwrr III-I-I-u-I-III-l- l—I'I l-H-‘l-l-‘F-l'I-I-l-Il—‘I'I'I'I'I''-'—"'""""""' "I-IIIf-IIHI'I-h :f'I-l'l'l'l'll'llf-‘I'Hm- _-u-l.rI.-.-mu‘lr I-II '-|-.-.I'l-I—s-l-—f-rm I'll!-ermm-"‘|l-lF-l-I-lI-I'F- City of Atlantic Beach Recommendationto Name City Park on Dewees Avenue The Garnett and Eleanor Ashby Memorial Park Late at night on July 25,2015 while walking our dog on Beach Avenue,I noticed a large white cargo van in front of the Ashby home on Beach Avenue.I smiled thinking warmly about Eleanor’s kindness to us asneighbors over many years.She must be gone,I thought.Her quiet elegance and inclusiveness would be greatly missed.Garnett must be happy to see her. Soon the funeral home staff wheeled the cart with Eleanors’s body from the ocean side along the brick walkway of the Dewees Avenue beach access onto Beach Avenue.As she passed,I could picture Eleanor waving goodbye to the neighborhood they both loved so much and to the Dewees Parkiusta few steps away.For us,Eleanor and Garnett had embodied what a neighborhood could and should be. A picture of this very Dewees beach access is on the cover of my 450-year history book of the Beaches.It is actually a photo of the Dewees Avenue public shower with Beaches town and city names tacked up onto it.These two wonderful neighbors had graciously welcomed my wife Kathie and me to neighborhood several years earlier;and had encouraged me and helped me with writing the Beaches history.Not only was Garnett incredibly helpful but he was also quite entertaining,filling me in on facts and personalities.In speeches around the Beaches since that time,I often tell Garnett anecdotes. Eleanor often included us in dinner parties held in her real candlelit dining room and we spent many long evenings out on their spacious screened porch.Eleanor enjoyed getting people together whether it was to celebrate St. Patricks Day or for Easter dinner.Garnett and Eleanor had moved from Jacksonville to Atlantic Beach in 1 953,soon after their marriage.The original 1934 contract for his grandfather’s purchase of the lot and house hung in den Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 7 of 30 WWWQJ for all to see.The grand total was $2400.They raised theirthree children in this special home and the family was the glue that held neighborhood together. For example,the Ashby family was the spa rkplug of an annual neighborhood tradition with a New Years Eve oyster roast and an oceanfront bonfire of every available real Christmas tree gathered from the area. Both Garnett and Eleanor had extensive community involvement at multiple levels in the region including the City of Jacksonville,the Beaches Communities in general,Atlantic Beach in particular and locally on the friendliest stretch of road that one could find from 16‘“—17thStreets on Beach Avenue. Garnett was a pioneer blazing new trails from building the Atlantic Beach skate park in 1 976 to introducing cable television to the entire region in the 1 9803.Eleanor was a force in her own right by helping found Leadership Jacksonville and leading the organization for twenty years.She was also a founding member of Friends of Atlantic Beach Elementary.Kathie and I are so grateful for the time we had with them. Dewees Avenue is named for a man who owned 2,300 acres in Mayport at the start of the 19‘“Century.A better name than Dewees for the road,the beach access and the park would be Ashby Avenue,Ashby Beach Access and Ashby Park.But with only the park to be named,Kathie and I strongly support and urge the City to name the city park on Dewees Avenue “Eleanor and Garnett Ashy Memorial Park”. Current Address:Current Address: 1820 Seville Blvd,#304 1 820 Sevilla Blvd,#304 Atlantic Beach,FL 32233 Atlantic Beach,FL 32233 N ilA.McGuinn ss Kathie M.McGuinness Former Address:1629 Beach Avenue Former Address:1 629 Beach Avenue Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 8 of 30 I. 'I.:n _--II an .n Ill ‘I'IAH '-.-- I I -I‘ V ~:' .g I ;I E I I III I.I I.I..=-.r ."'..II I u I II I a I '"".- I‘ .‘.x'I I _ I. I:I_I\'I -II IIII I I I I I I =I ‘I' '.-I I ‘I I m I I I I I I II I ‘ .II ....--..>III|I -. I I II 'I ’II 'I L I I E;II II '- -r '.I 1.II II."I II I II I‘ I I!I 'I I_I -I ._.I I w II '‘I I I'' I This is the text from when Eleanor was named a "Beaches Legend ". Willget my letter to you in the morning.It's coming along. Neil Although the recent,unexpected passing of our first honoree leaves a gap in our lives,the memory of her extraordinary vision and community sen/ice lives on.As one of the founders of Leadership Jacksonville,and its executive director for 20 years,she helped shape many future leaders in Northeast Florida,working behind the scenes to promote and enable them .to achieve their goals of service within the community.She had an extraordinary ability to connect people, whether it was in meetings or simply around the dinner table. This dynamic Atlantic Beach philanthropist grew up on Florida’s First Coast and raised her family here.She was instrumental in the development of Youth Leadership Jacksonville,a founding member of JCCl,the Women’s Giving Alliance,Friends of Atlantic Beach Elementary and the PACE Center for Girls.She also served on the boards of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra,Planned Parenthood of Northeast Florida,Beaches Fine Arts Series,the University of North Florida Advisory Council and was a member of the Jacksonville Women’s Network. Among many awards she received for her commitment to improving opportunities for everyone were the Arnolta Johnston “Mama”Williams Lifetime Achievement Award presented at the Florida Times-Union’s EVE Awards;the Celebration of Leadership Award from Leadership Jacksonville,the HandsOn Jacksonville Bernard V.Gregory Award and the OneJax Humanitarian Award.History was one of our first honoree’s passions,so tonight the Beaches Area Historical Society wants to once again honor Eleanor Johnson Ashby by making her a 2015 Beaches Legend.Accepting the award for Eleanor is her daughter Stuart Ashby Fore. Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 9 of 30 v. -:n Stuart Ashby-Fore <sashbyfore@gmail.com>1/25/202412:47 PM Dewees Park Hi Sandy, l apologize for the tardiness of this.Thank you so very much for working to get the park named for Daddy and Mom. They lived at 1637 Beach Ave.,starting when it was called Garage Approach Road and Dewees was a dirt road,for their entire married lives until their deaths a few years ago.They were such a special part of the neighborhood.My great grandfather had the home built and l was privileged to grow up there. Atlantic Beach is a wonderful community and my family would be so touched to have the park become Garnett and Eleanor Ashby Gardens. Thanks again. Warmly, Stuart ’-smartin92@comcast.net <smartin92©comcast.net> Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 10 of 30 IV.II I I.I ;I II I ,”1 .I :.I ..III "nF-..-|I I I!Illrl V' .II I II II;= '.-I.r _ II.I I--II II-I-ZI'I'..I I I II.I;-II II III'I .I II -.(IIII I I ==I _,.43;I:II III.-‘I III ... -_-I I .. «II . — .._-IV.“ HI I I IV .I I II --I I -I‘'I II.»II I .1 —.'It I I II I I 'I ' I-I.Il-,-I ..I III...II IT ,,I._.III .___IIL ’4':III I,-r I i I 1 =h I.I -I I .'Ii"I I I __II .I . v I III "I I'Il"l II III -II - 'u II-I IIII .‘II I II .,n I I V. III 'Iv I..I I -I I -I-II ''-.1.«It 'I I.. t '.. _-I _. I ’.I c.-:I .I .I March 1,2024 To Whom It May Concern in 1981 I purchased a small two—storyhouse on Coquina Place in what was then called Seminole Beach.The house was directly in front of a small park that had a huge Magnolia tree.The park was the land of pirates and cowboys for my son and a fairyland for my daughter.I was a newly divorced mother of two who was looking for a more relaxed and safer place to raise my children. I did not think I knew anyone on this wonderful sandy path-road to the ocean but,to my surprise,the very ?rst people to welcome me to my new home were Garnet and Eleanor Ashby.I had recently taken a job downtown in the 666 Building that housed Gamet's family businesses.One included the of?ces of a cable company I had just started working for.Their welcome included a lovely dinner and an explanation of how they ended up in their home on the ocean. Garnet and Eleanor were raised in Jacksonville and when they married decided that Seminole Beach would be a good place to raise their children.Gamet's grandfather had built the house they moved into many years before.Garnet had wonderful stories of playing in the park behind the house and even in my little cottage when it was being built. Both Garnet and Eleanor raised three successful children in that house but also spent many years contributing to the community.Garnet was a successful businessperson and donated his time and money to many community improvement projects.Eleanor was one of the founders and director of Leadership Jacksonville. She also contributed her time and money to many organizations that changed the lives of thousands of people. On a neighborhood scale,their yard was the pathway to the beach for all the neighbors.The neighborhood celebrated holidays,weddings,birthdays,and even a funeral or two on their large,screened porch.If you were sick a meal was delivered.If you had too small a home and too many guests,a room was offered. Garnet and Eleanor were my dear friends and mentors,but the most critical point is that they contributed so much of their energy and time to help build a community today we can be proud of. By naming this small,lovely park in honor of the Ashby's,you would be establishing a reminder of what it means to be a true servant to the community one lives in today. Thank you for your consideration, Ann C.Murphy 47‘9"?/‘\/<7 /(//7.7«‘744d Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 11 of 30 Catherine Grant <clygrant@gmail.com> Ashby Park smartin92©comcast.net <smartin92@comcast.net> Apologies Aandy.My eyesight is so poor now.This has taken longer than anticipated. Thank you Sandy for the wonderful idea!The Ashbys were such supporters of Atlantic Beach and all of us who were fortunate to live in the area while they were resident there.It would be very fitting to name the small park at the'corner of Dewees near their old home 'Ashby Park'in their memory.Good luck! Catherine Grant (904)372—7652 2/19/20243:37 PM Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 12 of 30 -I|.-\-_;.w .—'-. Hank Osborne <oshorne.hank@gmail.com>2/21/202411:16 A M Garnett and Eleanor Ashby smartin92©comcast.net Sandy-- Thanks for your effort on naming our little park. As long-time residents of Atlantic Beach,we think it‘s a brilliant idea to name the park on DeWees Avenue and Coquina Place after Garnett and Eleanor Ashby.The Ashbys lived near that park for over a century,before there was air conditioning. They always generously opened their home for all the neighborhood,helping make us a neighborhood.Four generations of my family attended their New Year‘s Oyster Roast,a tradition for some ?fty years or more.It would be a wonderful way to recognize all their contributions to the life of our community. Hank Osborne and Rena Coughlin Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 13 of 30 WQW *WWMMWM WWW MW‘ MW Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 14 of 30 Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 15 of 30 -Lurlr-LII-.I?"III I l-I-I-l-I “-m- an.—'I-ll-nI-I "mum“Il-‘ul-l‘.'I'III'I -I . a—.._--_..._llu I.Fi?-?I..|_-.-_-J.1-I.Ii--.r-. .1.-.a.h .5“-_u...II-.-.....-..||....I-.|u.-....l.r_i 1"‘1-ll'l—l'l''—I-l-nr?I-H Ii"-.—-I"'I‘-I--r ?‘—'-3- m r I-rrI-rl'l 'I"-'+lav-I'M- .1.JI—J—lil-Iul'i-a-ulu "-Ir ."I'll-ran! .u..|_|.-.-I nil II-wn—n—HIIH.-I.-I-I-I—-II'I-u -+I'-l-"--l—--r"-lliI'-—.- ua-l'f To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed change of Marvin’s Garden to Eleanor and Garnett Ashby Park.I believe that this change would be a meaningful way to remember two people who helped Atlantic Beach become the great place to live that we know today.The Ashbys were always respect?ll of others and welcomed neighbors into their home with warmth,respect and grace as opposed to the cantankerous canine the park is currently named after. I urge you to consider and approve the renaming of Marvin’s Garden to Eleanor and Garnett Ashby Park.This change would be a ?tting tribute to two individuals who have made a lasting impact on our community. Thank you Sincerely, Terri and William Permenter 78 Dewees Avenue Atlantic Beach Florida Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 16 of 30 I I ,I .I I ', III .z I ‘I I:":- ’H I II.:I v I.I ‘3 I .II 'I II I__- _ I ... I.-I i live near the park in Atlantic Beach that is located between Dewees,Coquina and Beach Avenue.in October a sign was installed with the name "Marvin's Garden".At some point in our AB history,naming this green space after Marvin might have been a funny little prank.Marvin was a dog who lived next to the park and claimed the space as his own.From what I have been told,Marvin was very territorial and terrified many passers by with his ?erce bark. When I consider the tradition of naming parks and green spaces after citizens who have contributed to the welfare of our city,l am surprised that this little space received a dog's name.Donner,Bull,Johansen,Russell,Jordan,to name a few. There are several residents who could be honored with their name on the sign. Eleanor and Garnet Ashby lived adjacent to the park for many years and were upstanding contributors to our fair city.Naming the park after the Ashby's seems more fitting with our tradition. I want to say,“Thank you COAB Parks for all you do to keep our parks clean and green!You are very much appreciated!" Sincerely, Lynn Coalson Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 17 of 30 H'I'l'llul '-'-- “II—H 'a .I.Hamil-LI“.--'l"l'-'III lulu-I'l'lu-‘I'II .ull—J.ul-un I I-I.-.-.I|I r-n <hnjshepard@comcast.net>to meJeanShepard We are happy to support naming the park on Dewees and Coquina after Garnett and Eleanor Ashby.Jean and Herschel Shepard Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 18 of 30 n s..I February 29,2024 To Whom It May Concern, l am an AtlanticBeach resident writing to show support for changing the name of the Atlantic Beach park on Dewees Avenue from Marvin’sGarden to Ashby Park.As I understand,the name Marvin's Garden was given some years ago -the name Marvin being the name of a dog owned by Martin family who lived across the street from the park. Now Sandy Martin,the past owner of Marvin,proposes the name of the park be changed from Marvin‘sGarden to Ashby Park.The Ashbys were long-term and well-known residents of Atlantic Beach who lived next to our well-loved and enjoyed park for decades.They were generous,supportive,and active contributing residents of this community.Honoring the Ashby history,and the Ashby's contribution to this neighborhood makes perfect sense and feels right. I fully support the change in the park’s name. Sincerely, Helen Bryan Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 19 of 30 .I-y ..'.II‘'I I m -~I I . .,V .I.I'I I I I ' .I -II—.. .u .I I I m v .Kx ..'...II I I .I ''.', _ I I . D I I "I I ‘ II I '. II Dear Members of the Atlantic Beach City Commission I am writing to respectfully request a change in the name of Marvin’s Gardens Park to Eleanor and Gamett Ashby Park. Eleanor and Gamett Ashby were pillars of our community,whose contributions and dedication have left an indelible mark on the fabric of our city.Their tireless efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents of Atlantic Beach serve as an inspiration to us all. Eleanor and Gamett Ashby Park would honor their legacy and serve as a fitting tribute to their countless contributions to our city.Their passion for preserving our natural environment and fostering a sense of community spirit resonates deeply with the values that our parks embody I believe that renaming Marvin’s Gardens Park to Eleanor and Gamett Ashby Park would not only celebrate the lives of two extraordinary individuals but also reflect the esteem and gratitude of the Atlantic Beach community. Thank you for considering this request.I am available to provide any additional information or support needed to facilitate this change. Sincerely, Nick Trefry Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 20 of 30 ,> City of Atlantic Beach Parks and Recreation Dept. March 26,2024 I support the proposal to rename the park know as Marvin's Garden Park to Ashby Park in Atlantic Beach.This passive park,located at Dewees Avenue and CoquinaPlace,is a quiet shady area enjoyed by residents and visitors on a daily basis and is near the former home of the Ashby Family. Thank you to the Public Works Dept.for adding benches,picnic tables and trash cans and for continuing to maintain this area. Diane Sackett 88 Dewees Avenue Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 21 of 30 April 16,2024 The Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners City of Atlantic Beach 800 Seminole Road Atlantic Beach,FL 32233 Dear Mayor and Commissioners: l wholeheartedly endorse and support the proposal to name the passive park on Dewees Avenue after Garnett and Eleanor Ashby. The Ashbys were long term residents of Atlantic Beach as well as major contributors to the community of Atlantic Beach as well as the Jacksonville area as a whole.They were both very supportive of me during my time on the Atlantic Beach commission. Eleanor was the highly regarded CEO of Leadership Jacksonville for many years.She was a founding member of the Jacksonville Community Council and served on the boards of Pace Girls,the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and many others.She received multiple awards and recognitions for her civic involvement. Garnett was best described as a true gentleman.in addition to being active in his family business including Monticello Bank,he developed and built Kona Skateboard Park as well as being a founder of Clearview Cable TV.He was involved in The Boys Club,Rotary Club, the lda M.Stevens Foundation and The Roberts Charitable Trust.He was a founding member of Vicars Landing and served on the vestry at Christ Episcopal Church. I would be thrilled if the commission were to positively act on this request.They were strong community contributors and deserve recognition. Respectfully, William Gulliford 75 Beach Avenue Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 22 of 30 RE:Naming Passive Park for Garnett and Eleanor Ashby Dear Commissioners of Atlantic Beach, i live on the corner of Beach Avenue and Dewees Street near the space in discussion.Our family were good friends with the Ashby family (Eleanor and Garnett)who lived in this area for many years.We support renaming the space to honor their memory. The space is currently a city right of way being used as a park as well as access to the back area of several condos which need to be accessible as a second way to exit .We hope this area can be renamed to honor the Ashby family . Sincerely Leslie G Platock Atlantic Beach May 8,2024 Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 23 of 30 RonaldT.Buckingham 1935-2018 MILNE &BUCKINGHAM Law Firm 1912 HamiltonStreot Suite 203 Jacksonville,FL32210 (P)904-387-5400 (F)904-384—8215 April 19,2024 Douglas J.Milne Fla.Sup;Ct.Certi?ed Circuit Civil Mediato rdoug@mi1necorpjax. com Sandy Martin Dear Sandy: A mutual ?‘iend,Billy Gulliford,tells me there is movement underway toward naming an Atlantic Beachpark for Eleanor and Garrett What a terri?c idea,and I sure commend you for pursuing it. Like so many others,I considered Garnett and Eleanor among my very best friends. and know you shared that feeling too.What a meaningful way to memorialize them, especially in Atlantic Beach,a place they so dearly loved.Understandably so. I am happy to help in any way I can to see this happen,?nancially and otherwise. Please just let me know what we can do . Very best wishes to you,and thank ~youagain for this undertaking.I hope to see you soon. cc:Gullifo Douglas I he www.milneandbuckinghamxom Sincerely, Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 24 of 30 ASHBY C.LG.(Garnett)Garnett Ashby passed away peacefully just before dawn in his home surrounded by his family on May 14th,the morning after his and Eleanor's 56th anniversary.He is survived by his loving wife Eleanor,his three children Stuart Ashby-Fore of Atlantic Beach,Elizabeth 'Baba'Frew and her husband Peter from Watertown,CT,and Linden and his wife Susan from Milton,GA,as well as his nine grand children:Anna Lester Merkel and husband Weston,Olivia,Francis Garnett Harrison,Arthur,and Gus Fore,Amanda and Garnett Maxmillian Frew,Grace and Savannah Ashby,and his niece EllieSlade.Garnett was born in Jacksonville on August 13,1927,the son of Clarence and Eloise Ashby.He grew up on Montgomery Place in Avondale,taking advantage of the river and all that it had to offer.He was an avid sailor,swimmer,skier,diver,power-beater;in short,if it involved boats and water he loved it.He attended the Belles School as well as the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey.in 1945 Garnett joined the navy,and hearing about this,the Japanese promptly surrendered!After he was discharged he went on to attend The University of The South,'Sewanee',which he loved and supported for the rest of his life.Upon returning home Garnett went to work for his grandfather,Tharp Roberts,at his company The Monticello Drug Company where he thrived,eventually becoming the president,a position he maintained until 1996 at which time he sold his interest and devoted his attentions to the Monticello Bank.in the summer of 1953 a young beauty named Eleanor Johnson caught his eye while they were both attendants in the wedding of mutual friends.Garnett wasted no time in stating his intentions,proposing, and marrying her.After returning from their honeymoon they made a decision that would chan e their lives the left town and moved to Atlantic Beach where they have lived happily in the same house to this day.in 1968 Garnett bought his beloved wooden hulled Nimphus sailboat known widely in local maritime circles as the 'Staunch'.After retirement, he and Eleanor were fortunate enough to enjoy many wonderful trips around the world,often with their friends Nancy McDonald,Katherine Grant,and Anne Murphy whom Eleanor jokingly referred to as Garnett‘s ‘harem'.In all of their travels they held a particular love for the Scottish Highlands,returning every year to their home away from home, Applecross.He was a voracious reader,and was completely contended when immersed in many books at a time. Garnett was a man of vision,often seeing trends well before others took notice.He opened a car dealership with his childhood friend Kenneth Merrillcalled 'The Car Store'in 1970 where they sold Datsuns,Rovers/Land Rovers,BMWs, and Triumphs,small interesting imports at a time when people were only thinking Chevy.He built Kona Skateboard Park in 1976,which is still in operation today as the oldest,continuously operating Skateboard Park in the country.With his good friend Doug Milne and others he founded 'Florida Clearveiw Cable Company'in 1978,installing and providing cable access for communities all over northeast Florida and South Georgia before selling to Continental Cable in 1986. He was involved in charities including The Boys Club and The Rotary Club,as well as serving as a trustee of The lda M. Stevens Foundation and The Roberts Charitable Trust,both local organizations that fund numerous causes in the Jacksonville community.He was also a founding board member of The Beaches Hospital and one of the youngest Commodores of The Florida Yacht Club.Garnett served on the vestry of Christ Episcopal Church and was a founding board member of Vicars Landing.Garnett Ashby was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word;a truly gentle man. His love and friendship touched more people than one can imagine,and he will be sorely missed.The servicewill be held at Christ Episcopal Church Ponte Vedra on Monday the 17th at 11 :30.in lieu of flowers please send donations to Christ Episcopal Church,400 San Juan Dr.,Ponte Vedra Beach,FL 32082;The University of the South,Sewanee,TN 37375;Community Hospice,4266 Sunbeam Road,Jacksonville,FL 32257 or the charity of your choice.Arrangements are by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home,Jacksonville Beach.Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com<h___ttpifacksonville.com/> ,V-I‘FZUM Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 25 of 30 ASHBY Eleanor Johnson Ashby passed away at home on Saturday,Jul 25,2015 after a brief battle with cancer.Born October 17,1931 to Imogene Jimmy and William Bill Johnson,she was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Garnett Ashby.She attended the Bartram School and Sweet Brier College before embarking on a career that would prove in?uential to Jacksonville‘s cultural and political landscape.Eleanor was one of the founders of Leadership Jacksonville and became the third Executive Director,a position she held for twenty years from 1978 to 1998.As Executive Director,she helped to shape many future leaders,enabling them to achieve their goals of service within their community.Eleanor was also instrumental in the development of Youth Leadership Jacksonville.She was a founding member of JCCl,the Women's Giving Alliance,Friends of Atlantic Beach Elementary,and the PACE Center for Girls, where she served as president of the Corporate Board and was a Life Member of the Board.She was also on the boards of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra,Planned Parenthood of Northeast Florida,the University of North Florida Advisory Council,and was a member of the Jacksonville Women's Network.She served as president of the Symphony Guild and loved to attend symphony performances.She was recognized for her commitment to improving opportunities for all and awarded the Arnolta Johnston Mama Williams Lifetime Achievement Award at the Florida Times-Union's EVEAwards,the Celebration of Leadership Award from Leadership Jacksonville,the HandsOn Jacksonville Bernard V.Gregory Award,and the OneJax Humanitarian Award.She will be honored this fall by the Jacksonville Beaches Historical Society as a Beach Legend.In short,she stayed busy!One of Eleanor‘s greatest strengths was the ability to connect people,be "rtaround the dinner table or in meetings.She loved to entertain,and opened her home to many for great food,abundant wine,and wonderful conversation,and delighted in sitting on her porch in Atlantic Beach,surrounded by friends and family.She had a grand time playing bridge and mahjong with her friends,and her love of history and literature stayed with her until her last days.Eleanor and Garnett shared a passion for travel that they passed on to their children and grandchildren,and were fortunate to see much of the world together: Of all their travels,they held a particular love for the Scottish Highlands,returning every year to their home away from home,Applecross.Eleanor's commitment to her community was second only to her love for her husband,children, grandchildren,and dear friends.She is survived by her three children:Stuart Ashby-Fore,Elizabeth Baba Frew (Peter), and Linden Ashby (Susan);as well as her ten grand children:Anna Merkel (Weston),Olivia,Harrison,Arthur,Gus and Patrick Fore(Lindsey),Amanda and Max Frew,Grace and Savannah Ashby;and her niece,Ellie Slade (Bill).There will be a Memorial Service at Christ Episcopal Church,Ponte Vedra Beach on Wednesday,July 29,2015 at 2 pm.In lieu of flowers,the family suggests contributions be made to PACE Center for Girls of Jacksonville or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.Please visit our online Tribute at www.uinn—shalz.com<h?p:/Iwww.uinn-shalz.com/>.Services under the care and direction of Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home. Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 26 of 30 POLICY DOCUMENT APPROVED MAY13,2024 Cit of Atlantic Beach Park Recreations Area and Buildin Namin Polic The City ofAtlantic Beach encourages community participation in the naming process.City sta? will strive to engage the public in the naming process.Proposals submitted by residents help identify and capture the essence of parks’,recreation areas'and buildings’importance to the community. The purpose of this policy is to establish a systematic and consistent approach for the of?cial naming of City parks,recreation areas and buildings. Objectives A.Ensure that parks,recreation areas and buildings are easily identi?ed and located. B.Ensure that the names of parks,recreation areas and buildings are consistent with the values and character of Atlantic Beach and/orthe neighborhood served. C.Encourage public participation in the naming,renaming and dedication of parks, recreation areas and buildings. D.Encourage donations of land,building,or monetary gifts by individuals and/orgroups. Parks,recreation areas and buildings includes all property assets under the City’s ownership and under the City oversight including buildings,structures,open spaces,public parks,trails, natural areas,wetlands,environmental habitat and land. The process of naming sites shall be the function of City Manager or his/herdesignee.The Arts, Recreation and Culture Committee will recommend names to the Atlantic Beach City Commission for ?nal approval. The following guidelines will be used when naming parks,recreation areas and buildings.The City Commission has discretion when evaluating proposals;thus,proposals meeting the guidelines does not guarantee naming,nor do the guidelines serve as an absolute requirement Guidelines Authorization Definitio Purpose Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 27 of 30 .-...; I''II 1 -I I I '' :...I I . -'.II I II V‘ z~l I I I I II DI I_I x :r '|:I II I ;..I. I .II II ... I 'x ’I I 'I ‘ IIII II I I ...I- .=.1 _.I...-..-.. I ~~.....I.I '.*I'I I II v-I '.I..m .I I -II II II II 'I ''' .3|' :-I I .‘1 ‘-'_I I II:"I I II '..V IIx I '.II II E ' .I .I........I II .. I....... I I I II.I II I _'‘ I I I-...I .I.r .'..- II 'I II I I .' .' ' |.I I f I I I 'I I I I I - ..... I. I: |-'I ... II I. ... VI‘'I.. _.I . I I _ n I I ...I . for naming. A.Restrictions are as follows: 1. 3. The name shall not duplicate the name of any other park,recreation area or building in Atlantic Beach.The exception would be a facility carrying the same name as the park in which it is situated (e.g.Sunset Field located in Sunset Park).Caution shall be used when duplicating names of parks,recreation areas and buildings in nearby cities to minimize confusion amongst the public and emergency response teams. Names shall not be given to small amenities with identi?able lifespans,e.g.park bench,playground equipment,unless the City creates a speci?c naming opportunity. The name of parks,recreation areas and buildings shall not be changed without extraordinarily good reasons. B.Discretion shall be used to avoid an overabundance of named features or facilities in any single park,and the naming shall not diminish or overshadow the park’s name. C.Consideration to name a park,recreation area or facility in honor of a person (or persons or family)shall only be given to individuals who have been deceased for a minimum of six months and one or more of the following criteria has been met: 1.The individual,individuals or family has contributed signi?cant support to the development or operation of the park,recreation area or building,the overall recreation and parks system,and/orthe community in general.The suggested name must be accompanied by evidence of such contributions and/orservice,or to any of the City‘s companion organizations that function in cooperation with and on behalf of the City,such as an environmental—protection or youth athletic organization. An outstanding community individual who has made signi?cant and long-term civic contributions to the community of Atlantic Beach as determined by the Atlantic Beach City Commission. A substantial donation (typically not less than 50%of the value of the property or improvements),as determined by the Atlantic Beach City Commission,has been made to the City,or companion organization,by or in memory of an individual,group or family. D Consideration to name parks,recreation areas and buildings after those who are still living must meet one or more of the following: 1. 2. A land donation in which a naming provision has been made on the deed and accepted by the Atlantic Beach City Commission. A substantial monetary donation (typically not less than 50%of the value of the property or improvements)has been made to the City wherein the donor stipulated Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 28 of 30 II I I . I.. :I II A . I I ; II I _I -I II I:I III I ;: I III I H ''I 'f I II ' II:‘I ' I i‘ =z I =z I I I .. -n-I.I .__- I t =I.=,I I I II I.'I II ’7 n '1' I ‘I '‘II ' I 'I ‘'-II‘II H I'I ‘|I ‘ II ‘H 5 I .I I I II I I.IF ._ I _ II :II I . IN 1 s ' a II .'I -'I I ‘ I II .I I II I _ I ;I II ‘I I I II I z I I-.=.II II I H - I I''-.'; I III II ;II N a naming provision as a condition of the donation and this condition has been accepted by the Atlantic Beach City Commission. a.If naming is approved for an item that has a lifespan such as structures, equipment,etc.,the naming of such item shall expire when the lifespan of the item is met.At the time of replacing such item,the original donor/naming recipient shall have the opportunity to donate funds to continue the naming of the replacement item.If the original donor/naming recipient is not interested in continuing the naming of the item,the City may seek other donations for naming consideration. A.Naming of New or Existing Un-Named Parks,Recreation Areas and Facilities 1.The City Commission,Arts,Recreation and Culture Committee and/or City Manager can initiate the naming process whenever deemed necessary and/or when it’s in the best interest of the City. City staff shall inform the public about parks,recreation areas and buildings to be named and encourage proposals to be submitted. Naming proposals shall be submitted in writing to the City Manager. Those submitting a naming proposal shall indicate how the proposed name is consistent with the criteria stated in this policy and describe the thought/meaning behind the name and their connection to Atlantic Beach. When naming after a person or persons,the proposal shall describe the person’s contributions to the community.Written documentation of approval by next of kin to be honored (if available/possible)is encouraged as part of the proposal.City staff wil lreviewtheproposalforadherencetothestatedcriteriaandauthentication of statements relative to indicated contributions in the case of an individual before forwarding it to the Arts,Recreation and Culture Committee. The Arts,Recreation and Culture Committee will offer the opportunity for public input on the proposed names received during a regularly scheduled committee meeting. In the absence of any naming requests,the Arts,Recreation and Culture Committee shall adhere to criteria stated in this policy in recommendation of a name. The Arts,Recreation and Culture Committee shall submit its recommendation to Atlantic Beach City Commission for ?nal decision. B.Renaming an Existing Park,Recreation Area or Facility 1.Renaming of parks,recreation areas and facilities carries with it a much greater burden of process compared to initial naming.Tradition and continuity of name and 3 Process Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 29 of 30 .. .. a . 1m I . u community identi?cation are important community values.Proposals must meet the criteria in this policy,however,meeting all criteria does not ensure renaming. Deed restrictions need to be accounted for when considering the renaming of parks. Parks,facilities and geographic features named after individuals shall not be changed unless it is found by the Atlantic Beach City Commission that the individual's personal character was such that the continued use of the name for a City park,recreation area or facility would not be in the best interest of the City. Parks,recreation areas and facilities named for a location,a geographic feature or a community/neighborhood may be considered for renaming.However,the existing name of a park,recreation area or facility which is of local or national importance,or which identi?es an outstanding geographic or physical feature shall not be changed unless the Atlantic Beach City Commission determines that there are extraordinary circumstances of local,state or national interest to justify the name change. When considering the renaming of a park,recreation area or facility,the proposed name must meet the same guidelines and follow the naming process as de?ned above. Agenda Item #5.A. 23 Jul 2024 Page 30 of 30