HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-06-2015 - 4c 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 6, 2015
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-c
SUBJECT: Proclamation Naming Fairview Park Ballfield for James Stewart
DEPARTMENT: BOCC, County Manager, PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
Environment, Agriculture, Parks
& Recreation
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation to Name Ballfield Commissioner Renee Price, 245-2130
Aerial Map of Ballfield Bonnie Hammersley, 245-2300
David Stancil, 245-2510
PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation naming the existing baseball/softball field at the
County's Fairview Park for the late Mr. James "Junebug" Stewart.
BACKGROUND: In the early 1980's, Orange County acquired property as part of a Community
Development Block Grant in the Fairview community. Several years later this property, along
with adjoining land owned by the Town of Hillsborough used for a former landfill, was
designated for a future park. A playground and parking area was built in 1990.
For the next several years, portions of the site were used for storm debris for a tornado,
Hurricane Fran and ice storms. With no funding available for the envisioned park, local resident
James "Junebug" Stewart built a baseball field on an open area of the former landfill site for
neighborhood children to use. Known as the "Field of Dreams", the field was maintained and
used for several years until safety issues related to the former landfill caused it to close.
In 2011, Orange County - using voter-approved Parks and Open Space bonds - constructed a
$1.4 million park at the Fairview property, which included a new full-size baseball/softball field
among other facilities. The field is currently used by the community and the Hillsborough Youth
Athletic Association.
As part of discussion to address parking needs at the park in the spring of 2015, the idea of
naming the new field for Mr. Stewart was discussed. A petition to ask the Board to consider
naming the field for Mr. James Stewart (who passed away in 2005) was introduced on
September 1 by Commissioner Renee Price.
Attached is a proclamation that would name the baseball/softball field for James "Junebug"
Stewart, along with a map of the field location. The Manager, Attorney and staff have examined
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the naming policy and this proposal and determined that naming of the field for Mr. Stewart
would meet the provisions of the Orange County Property Naming Policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is minimal financial impact associated with the field naming.
Approximately $1,200 - $2,000 is projected to cover the cost of a dedication ceremony and a
naming plaque to be funded from the Manager's Miscellaneous account.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this agenda item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
• GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
The naming of the ballfield for Mr. Stewart recognizes the civic-minded and community-building
actions of a Fairview resident who worked to make his neighborhood a safer place. Mr.
Stewart's actions to build the initial field served to offer opportunities for learning of a team sport
in baseball and softball to children of all races and colors. It also offered physical activity and
team-building opportunities to area children, reducing the risk of area children to vehicles/traffic
accidents and gang activity, among other positive impacts.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the attached proclamation naming the ballfield at Fairview Park for James
"Junebug" Stewart, and authorize staff to work with the Board to schedule and plan for a
dedication ceremony to be held in October/November 2015.
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DRAFT PROCLAMATION DRAFT
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Recognizing JAMES "JUNEBUG" STEWART
Whereas, James Stewart and his neighbors in a predominantly African-American
neighborhood waited nearly two decades for playing fields for the children of
the Fairview community; and
Whereas, James Stewart, a self-employed mason, overcame personal trials and
tribulations and took the initiative along with family and friends to construct a
full-fledged baseball field atop a closed and abandoned public landfill; and
Whereas, the ball field, known locally as the "Field of Dreams", opened in the
summer of 1999; and
Whereas, James Stewart, a lifelong resident of Fairview, was the inspirational
force behind the Fairview Youth Baseball Group, also known as the Fairview
Eagles; and
Whereas, the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce awarded the
1999 Ed Riley Helping Hand Award to James Stewart for constructing the Field
of Dreams;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Orange County Board of County
Commissioners hereby proclaims that the baseball field at Fairview Community
Park of Orange County shall be named in honor of the late James "Junebug"
Stewart, as a memorial to him, his love for the people of his community and his
"Field of Dreams".
This 61h day of October 2015.
Earl McKee, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
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