Tim St. Clair

(Note: This letter was addressed to Mr. Tim Gallagher, Parks Superintendent Seattle Parks and Recreation. A copy was sent to the West Seattle Herald/White Center News.)

Dear Mr. Gallagher,

As you may be aware, Tim St. Clair, a former reporter for the West Seattle Herald, passed away earlier this year. Mr. St. Clair was a resident of the Morgan Junction neighborhood, and a highly respected member of the West Seattle community as a whole. He was a professional journalist who was dedicated to the residents of West Seattle. During his nearly 20-year tenure at the Herald, he was known for putting others ahead of himself, even during his illness. He is truly missed among the greater West Seattle community.

A number of residents in the Morgan Junction neighborhood have expressed interest in naming the future Morgan Junction Park (to be opened in early 2009) in honor of Mr. St. Clair. Our understanding is that the Parks and Recreation Department's process for naming parks requires that someone be deceased for at least two years before naming the park after them.

The Southwest District Council and the Delridge District Council unanimously requests that the Parks and Recreation Board reconsider its naming process in the circumstance of naming the Morgan Junction Park. In fact, precedence has been set by other parks being named after living persons, such as Jack Block Park, and Homer Harris Park in the Central District.

We are also aware that the Parks Department is currently re-evaluating its rules for the naming of park facilities. We ask that you consider this special circumstance as part of that re-evaluation. Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Steve Sindiong

Co Chair

Southwest District Council

Sharonn Meeks

Co Chair

Southwest District Council

Pete Spaulding,

President

Delridge District Council