Berkeley has a formal policy governing the naming and renaming of public facilities, including parks, streets, pathways, open spaces, public buildings, bridges, and other structures. The purpose is to create a consistent and uniform process so that names support the city’s values and heritage and align with community interest.
The policy assigns a structured governance process. The City Council holds final authority over naming and renaming decisions, but the process is coordinated through the City Manager and specific “Lead Commissions” depending on the facility type. For example, streets and infrastructure-related facilities are overseen by the Transportation and Infrastructure Commission, while parks and recreation facilities are overseen by the Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Commission, and library-related facilities are overseen by the Board of Library Trustees. These lead commissions coordinate input from other commissions and the public, and they provide recommendations to City Council.
The policy sets general rules and preferences for naming. New facilities should be named promptly after development or acquisition for public identification. It discourages naming facilities after living persons, but allows an exception if the City Council approves by a two-thirds vote. For commemorative naming of a deceased person, the policy requires that the individual had a positive effect on the community and has been deceased for more than one year.
In terms of naming priorities, the policy prefers names connected to historical or geographical significance and encourages identifying public facilities using adjacent street names, environmental features, or the facility’s primary use. When a facility provides a specific activity (e.g., skate park or baseball diamond), the policy recommends that activity be included in the name. When parks are adjacent to elementary schools, the school name may be considered. For renaming an existing facility, the policy requires consideration of the established name’s historical significance and geographic reference and emphasizes that names contribute to a community’s identity and sense of place over time.
The policy also addresses naming tied to major contributions or donations. If a person, group, or organization requests naming or renaming, the honoree must have made a major contribution to acquisition/development costs or a major contribution to the city, and have a record of outstanding service. Any donation conditions that specify a name must be approved by City Council after review and recommendation by the City Manager.
Procedurally, any person or organization may apply in writing to the City Manager to request naming or renaming, and recommendations can also originate from boards/commissions, City Council, or staff. The City Manager refers the request to the appropriate lead commission for review. The lead commission must hold a public hearing and notify the public, then forward its recommendation to City Council for final consideration.
Street Name Policy:
The Town of Berwick recognizes that there are several factors that should be considered when the need for new street names within the town arises. A referral from the Planning Advisory Committee will be forwarded to the Apple Capital Museum Society requesting the development of a standing list of suitable street names which Council can draw upon when considering the naming of new, or renaming of existing streets, in the Town. Prior to Council making the final name selection as required, the potential street name shall be forwarded to the local police, fire, ambulance and public works agencies to determine any potential logistical or technical problems associated with the name that would impede the completion of their respective duties. In making its recommendation the Society will consider, as a minimum, the criteria listed below. Assessment Criteria
- any historical significance associated with the area;
- names of local areas or landmarks of significance;
-names of families or individuals of importance to the Town of Berwick
-names of former Mayors of the Town of Berwick
-names of former Fire Chiefs of the Town of Berwick former street names;
-any existing pattern in respect to the naming of other streets in the Town; and
-any previous street name requests
The Society will provide supporting history and information to Council regarding the standing list of potential street names. In the case of the development of new roadways within the Town, the selection of street names will be finalized after conveyance of the infrastructure from the developer/owner to the Town of Berwick.
No other place name policies.
