2022-12-6_PR_Comm_Min - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Commission discussed the advantages and disadvantages between the names Dakota Makoce (Dakota Land) and Keya (Turtle). Vice-Chair Hoag added that it may become known as Turtle Park and not Keya Park, similar to Robot Park robot theme. Commissioner Arneson suggested calling the park Dakota Makoce (Dakota Land) Park and calling the play structure Keya (Turtle) Playground. Commissioner Matts-Benson shared that there is a large amount of potential opportunities for community education of the chosen park name. The Commission discussed potential educational opportunities at the park. Commissioner Lenhart suggested recommending both Dakota Makoce (Dakota Land) or Keya (Turtle) Park to the City Council. Chair Dahlstrom suggested recommending only one name to the City Council. Commissioner Arneson added that there was an Eagle Scout project underway that incorporates Dakota language onto natural resource signs at Reservoir Woods Park. The Commission and staff discussed interpretive signs in the park. Staff recommended that the Commission focus on the recommendation of a park name, as individual interpretive signs would need to be part of a larger discussion encompassing the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Commissioner Baggenstoss suggested potentially creating a shared stewardship model to bring forth suggestions within the community. Commissioner Brown motioned to recommend renaming Pocahontas Park to Dakota Makoce (Dakota Land) Park to the City Council. Vice-Chair Hoag seconded. Commissioner Arneson questioned if it is ok to name a park Dakota Makoce (Dakota Land) Park but not to return the land to the Dakota people. Staff relayed that they had a similar concern. The Commission and staff discussed any potential name implications of suggesting the name Dakota Makoce (Dakota Land) Park to the City Council. 4