REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GEORGEANNE A. WHITE, City Manager
Office of the City Manager
AARON A. AGUIRRE, Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
BY: JENNIFER RUIZ, Deputy City Manager
Office of the City Manager
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Naming the Park at 2155 South Peach Avenue to “Peach Park”
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of approval of the resolution for the naming of the park at 2155 South Peach Avenue, between Church and Butler Avenues, to “Peach Park”.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On October 31, 2006, the United States National Park Service (NPS) transferred approximately 49 acres of land along South Peach Avenue, between Church and Butler Avenues, to the City of Fresno through a quitclaim deed. This land was designated by the NPS for the expansion of public green space and recreational opportunities for Fresno residents.
On February 12, 2025, a groundbreaking ceremony was held with Mayor Jerry Dyer, former District Five Councilmember and current Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez, City of Fresno Council President Mike Karbassi, Aaron Aguirre, Director of Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department, and many members of the community, marking the commencement of construction for the park.
At the ceremony, the City of Fresno announced a community naming opportunity for the park involving several social media platforms. Residents were invited to provide their selection on a list of ten potential names, each honoring the land’s rich history. The survey closed on February 25, 2025, and the community has selected the name "Peach Park."
Staff recommends that Council approve a resolution to name the park “Peach Park”, based on the land’s rich agricultural history and community input conducted in February 2025.
BACKGROUND
On October 31, 2006, the City of Fresno was deeded approximately 49 acres of property along South Peach Avenue, between Church and Butler Avenues, by the NPS, with the stipulation that the land be used and maintained for public recreation. The property consists of three separate parcels: APN 473-030-07T, APN 481-020-30T, and APN 481-020-29T. The land has a rich history, having previously hosted an agricultural research facility. It was here that new table grape varieties were developed, followed by the establishment of an innovative peach breeding lab.
Phase 1 of the South Peach Avenue Park Project is currently under construction on 10 acres of the 49-acre site at 2155 South Peach Avenue. This park will serve 6,634 residents within a 1/2-mile radius. (ESRI 2022 Estimated Demographics)
On February 12, 2025, a groundbreaking ceremony was held with Mayor Jerry Dyer, former District Five Councilmember and current Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez, City of Fresno Council President Mike Karbassi, Aaron Aguirre, Director of Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department, and Jose Leon-Barraza, CEO of the Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development Association. This event marked the official start of construction for the park.
During the ceremony, the City of Fresno announced a community naming opportunity for the park through social media channels. Residents were invited to provide input on a selection of ten potential names, each reflecting the land’s history. Other community-based organizations social media accounts helped to reshare this post to encourage participation, including the Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development Association Facebook Page “SE Fresno Soccer Park”. The comment period remained open until February 25th, 2025. Over 600 individuals commented on the post, voting for their favorite. The overwhelming majority (about 237 votes) selected “Peach Park”. The next highest were “The Grove” (about 82 votes), “Heritage Harvest” (about 45 votes), and “Peach and Vine” (about 42 votes).
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a “project for the purposes of CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because the renaming of a City of Fresno facility does not include a bid or award for a construction or service contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no net impact on the general fund.
Attachment:
Resolution