LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council President Andy Terhaar
SUBJECT:
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REQUEST TO NAME THE NORTH ENTRANCE TO BAYVIEW PARK THE “JULIAN OLSEN WAY”
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RECOMMENDATION:
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That City Council name the north entrance to Bayview Park the, “Julian Olsen Way.” Further that a plaque and bust be placed in a prominent location.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
A request has been made to name the new Bayview Community Resource Center after former Parks and Recreation Director Julian “Ole” Olsen. Following City Code Section 2-3-3 - Naming City Property, this item was reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Board at their April 18, 2019 meeting.
At the June 20, 2019 Parks and Recreation Board meeting, the following motions were made and approved to be forwarded to City Council for consideration:
1-The Parks and Recreation Board does not recommend renaming the Bayview Community Resource Center, and that the name, “Bayview Community Resource Center” should be retained into perpetuity.
2-The Board consider the naming of something significant within Bayview Park after Julian “Ole” Olsen.
At the August 5, 2019 Council Agenda Conference, a presentation was made regarding this item. At the Agenda Conference, this item was referred back to the Parks and Recreation Board seeking a recommendation on what item of significance should be named after Mr. Olsen.
At the September 19, 2019 Parks and Recreation Board meeting, the Board made the following recommendation to be forwarded to City Council:
“To make the north entrance to the Centers the “Julian Olsen Way,” and to place a plaque and bust [of Mr. Olsen] in a prominent location.”
According to Mrs. Betty Douglas and Dr. Ole Olsen (Julian Olsen’s grandson), Mr. Julian Olsen was the first Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Pensacola. He was a pioneer who established many programs that affected many areas. He served as the President of the FRPA (Florida Recreation and Parks Association) for two years and also received an Achievement Award from the FRPA for outstanding service to his community and the State of Florida. He was active in the National Parks Association.
Mr. Olsen helped develop Bayview Park, starting a swimming program there. He helped establish many youth centers including Sanders Beach, Fricker Resource Center and Bayview Community Center. He created “tot lots” to provide recreation places for the children in the area, developed a softball league, and set up the first lifeguards on the beach. Mr. Olsen also set up things such as boxing matches and square dances.
PRIOR ACTION:
April 18, 2019 - Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
June 20, 2019 - Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
August 5, 2019 - City Council Agenda Conference (Presentation)
September 19, 2019 - Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
FUNDING:
Budget: $ 0
Actual: $ TBD
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Cost of street signs, a plaque and a bust.
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
1) September 19, 2019 Parks & Recreation Board Minutes
PRESENTATION: No