Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Recommendation for Naming South Pointe Subdivision ParkCity of Dubuque
City Council
ACTION ITEMS # 5.
Copyrighted
August 18, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Recommendation for Naming South Pointe Subdivision Park
SUMMARY: Park and Recreation Advisory Commission recommending
the name South Pointe Park for the park in the South Pointe
subdivision.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Approve
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo
2. Staff Memo
3. Proposed Names for South Pointe Park Subdivision
4. Park Naming Policy
Page 465 of 579
Dubuque
THE CITY OF
uFA�a9a av
DuBE
13
Masterpiece on the Mississippi zoo�•*o
rP PP 2017202019
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Recommendation for Naming
South Pointe Subdivision Park
DATE: August 13, 2025
On June 16t", 2025, Communications Specialist Kristin Hill created and released a
press release for the naming of South Pointe subdivision park. An online form for
submission was used and paper copies were available at the Multicultural Family
Center. The City's social media outlets were used to promote the naming. The
submission process was open from June 16 through July 16, 2025.
Twenty-three online forms were submitted for South Pointe subdivision park
naming. All submissions were eligible per the Park Naming Policy. The proposed
names are attached.
This information was provided to the Parks and Recreation Commission's for their
consideration at their August 12, 2025, meeting. The Commission unanimously agreed
to recommend naming South Pointe subdivision park to be South Pointe Park.
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Stephen Fehsal, Interim Parks and Recreation Director
Marie Ware, Acting Project and Facilities Manager
Page 466 of 579
THE CITY OF
DUB El
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Stephen J. Fehsal, Interim Parks and Recreation Director
Dubuque
AII•Aoeriea City
t]�k:IJ ll
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Recommendation for Naming
South Pointe Subdivision Park
DATE: August 12, 2025
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memo is to provide the naming recommendation of South Pointe
Park from the City's Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission for the park located in
the South Pointe subdivision.
BACKGROUND
The area for the park in the South Pointe subdivision is currently being developed by
the subdivision developer. The park is expected to be completed by the end of October
2025. A Parks and Recreation Naming Policy was approved in 2018 by City Council. It
outlines guiding principles of naming and renaming and procedures for both naming and
renaming.
DISCUSSION
On June 16th, 2025, Kristin Hill, Communications Specialist created and released a
press release for the naming of South Pointe subdivision park. An online form for
submission was used and paper copies were available at the Multicultural Family
Center. The City's social media outlets were used to promote the naming. The
submission process was open from June 16 through July 16, 2025.
Twenty-three online forms were submitted for South Pointe subdivision park naming.
reviewed the submissions and all were eligible per the Park Naming Policy. The
proposed names are attached.
1
Page 467 of 579
This information was provided to the Parks and
consideration at their August 12, 2025, meeting.
to recommend naming South Pointe subdivision
ACTION REQUESTED
Recreation Commission's for their
The Commission unanimously agreed
park to be South Pointe Park.
The Park and Recreation Commission respectfully recommend the name of South
Pointe Park for the park located in the South Pointe subdivision.
Prepared by: Marie L. Ware, Acting Project and Facilities Manager
2
Page 468 of 579
Proposed Names for South Point Neighborhood Park: July 2025
Proposed Name Category name falls under Explanation Submitted by: Address
I propose the name Tom Scharr park because without Tom Scharr,
1
Wahlert wouldn't have its first state football championship. 3
Dubuque, IA
Touchdowns in the first half against Humboldt at the UNI Dome should
Tom Scherr Park
Historic events, people, and places
highlight why we should immortalize him as the name of the park.
Nick Klapatauskas
Google Matthew Spautz & you will find all the info as to why he
2
Sgt Matthew Spautz
Historic events, people, and places
deserves to be honored by the naming of the park after him
Mike Spautz
Dubuque, IA
South Pointe Lake Park- clearly reflects the neighborhood in which the
park is located and highlights its most unique feature — the lake. The
name is simple, memorable, and intuitive for residents and visitors
3
alike. With a new playground planned alongside the water, this name
Lauren Minert
Dubuque, IA
captures the dual purpose of the park: a peaceful, natural retreat and a
fun, active space for families. It also aligns well with the City of
Dubuque's naming guidelines by referencing the geographic location
South Pointe Lake Park
Historic events, people, and places
and defining landscape of the area.
4
Geographic location, such as naming in
It's simple, geographic, and approachable. Connects the subdivision
Shanda Munson
Dubuque, IA
Driftless Pointe Park
relationship to an adjacent street
name with the Driftless region. Feels like it belongs in a neighborhood.
Named after the Indian Tribe that lived here when Julien Dubuque
5
Meskwaki park, Or Fox park
Historic events, people, and places
came and settled the place.
Kenneth Miller Jr
Dubuque, IA
Tom was an integral part of Wahlert's historical state football
championship, and he should be immortalized in this park. Without him,
8
Dubuque would not have a football state championship. Tom Scherr
John Smith
Not Provided
has made a deep impact in Dubuque's rich history, and he deserves
this park to be named in his honor. Just look at the stat line, he is a key
Tom Scherr Park
Historic events, people, and places
part of Dubuque and our legacy as a town in Iowa.
Philip Pier ( and his brother ) were businessmen and merchants - and
politicians - in the formation of Dubuque in it's early days; ( see
Encyclopedia Dubuque on the Internet ). Philips journey from a small
town in Germany paralleled the route taken by my Great -Great
Grandfather and his family around 1852 - Germany to Galena then to
Dubuque. Philips birthplace ( Nackenhiem Germany) still exists, 1
7
visited it in 2008. Interesting that ( re Encyclopedia Dubuque ) that
Dennis Heckelsmiller
Dubuque, IA
Philip was instrumental in bringing coal to Dubuque as a fuel source -
eg, lightly ridiculed for the idea of " burning rocks". He had a relative in
Nackenheim - Dr Prof Mathias Pier, chemist, who developed the coal
gasification process! I believe naming a park for a important person of
the past will keep them alive in history - and remind ( or inspire )
present day people to ignite the spirit of innovation, imagination and
action within themselves; Walk in the footsteps of our predecessors;
Pier Park ( or Pier Bros Park)
Historic events, people, and places
Page 469 of 579
Initials of surnames of people / families that have had a large impact on
Dubuque from it's early days....
Pier - Philip Pier- multifaceted business operator and politician in the
early days of Dubuque
Lange- Bob Lange - world class ski boots, developed in Dubuque
Rhomberg - too many of these folks to individually list here, multiple
businesses including the Star Brewery and ( sad too see it go ) Rhomberg
Furs on White Street.
8
Dennis Heckelsmiller
Dubuque, IA
Having an acronym / initials for a park name may not be the greatest idea
from a marketing perspective; These days however, cryptic abbreviations
seem to be the norm; They do tweek peoples interest though - ( What the
heck does that mean??).
3letters - easy to remember - can uncover alot of treasures of Dubuque
with a little digging.
P.L.R. Park or PLR Park
Historic events, people, and places
Incorporates the South portion of the subdivision. Historical reference
9
South Park
Historic events, people, and places
that young people will understand.
Gary Dieters
Dubuque, IA
To emanate with honor means to radiate or project a sense of integrity,
moral uprightness, and respectability. It signifies demonstrating these
10
qualities through actions and interactions, creating a positive
Jessica Rosado
Not Provided
impression. I think everyone in this community and others should try
and demonstrate this behavior to bring hope back and believe people
Emanate Honor Park
Historic events, people, and places
are good. Let's teach each other better.
Grand river decided to partner with unity point to keep the providers
Individuals or groups who have
with their patients and community. Let's keep grand river in our
11
provided exceptional service to the City
community by naming a park after them. They were a family oriented
Jolene Hansen
Dubuque, IA
provider. Let's keep it family oriented. They was also amazing to their
Grand River Park
staff.
12
Geographic location, such as naming in
Deb Glab
Dubuque, IA
relationship to an adjacent street
The beauty of flowers, trees, bunnies, etc. and of course birds on this
Nature's Nest
high open area.
Don Ameche was a celebrated screen actor and comedian who
13
attended Loras College, married a Dubuque woman and is buried in
William Zmudka
Dubuque, IA
her family's plot at the old Resurrection Cemetery in Asbury. He is best
Don Ameche Park
Historic events, people, and places
known for portraying Alexander Graham Bell.
Dubuque, IA
14
Geographic location, such as naming in
Patrick Norton
South Pointe Park
relationship to an adjacent street
It makes sense.
Ralph Montgomery, a formerly enslaved man, fought for and won his
Not Provided
15
freedom after a legal battle that ended in 1839 with the Iowa Supreme
Shante Weston
Montgomery Park
Historic events, people, and places
Court ruling in his favor.
16
Geographic location, such as naming in
Michael Klauer
Dubuque, IA
South Pointe Park
relationship to an adjacent street
This is the name of the development in which it is located.
Dubuque, IA
Ted Ellsworth is near the top of the list when it comes to prominent
Dubuquers of the Greatest Generation. He is the most decorated war
17
hero in Dubuque's history. He fought in the British Army in N.Africa
James Stack
under Montgomery and in Europe under Patton. He spent time in a
German POW camp until he escaped. After thw War he was a
Individuals or groups who have
prominent business and civic leader in Dubuque. He was the 1961
Ted Ellsworth Park
provided exceptional service to the City
Citizen of the year, andlater spent 4 years ans a State Representative.
Page 470 of 579
Not Provided
18
Geographic location, such as naming in
Jessica Weiner
South Pointe Park
relationship to an adjacent street
Because it's located in South Pointe and the name just fits the park.
Not Provided
19
Geographic location, such as naming in
Not Provided
South Pointe Park
relationship to an adjacent street
Name of the neighborhood/nearby street.
While not born in Dubuque, her heroic story was celebrated there and
Dubuque, IA
20
throughout Iowa. At age 15, she crawled across a collapsing bridge
Kyleigh Schwendeman
Shelley Park
Historic events, people, and places
during a storm to warn an incoming train, saving many lives.
Who Was Kate Shelley?
Full Name: Catherine Carroll Shelley
Here is a long winded summary of her story:
Born: September 25, 1865, in County Limerick, Ireland
Immigrated: Her family moved to Iowa when she was a child, settling
near Moingona, a small rail town near Boone, Iowa.
o The Heroic Night — July 6, 1881
A severe thunderstorm had struck central Iowa, causing flash flooding.
A railroad bridge over Honey Creek (a tributary of the Des Moines
River) had washed out.
A Chicago & North Western Railroad pusher engine (sent out to check
the tracks) plunged into the creek.
Kate, then just 15 years old, witnessed the accident from her home
nearby.
o What She Did:
Two men were stranded in the wreckage, and a passenger train was
scheduled to cross that same route.
Despite torrential rain, darkness, and flooding, Kate:
Crawled across a damaged railroad bridge over the Des Moines River.
Reached the Moingona station and warned the station agent in time to
stop the train.
Then she returned with help to rescue the two surviving crewmen from
the engine crash.
o Aftermath and Recognition:
Kate Shelley became nationally famous. Newspapers from coast to
coast covered her story.
She received:
A medal from the state of Iowa
Page 471 of 579
Numerous monetary rewards and gifts from women's clubs, rail
companies, and civic groups
A lifetime pass on the Chicago & North Western Railway
o Legacy:
Kate Shelley High Bridge (1901): A major rail bridge near Boone was
named in her honor. For many years, it was the highest and longest
double -track railroad bridge in the U.S.
Kate Shelley Museum: Located in Boone County, dedicated to her
memory.
Her bravery became a symbol of feminine heroism during a time when
such narratives were rare.
Her story is taught in Iowa schools and continues to inspire plays,
poems, and historical exhibits.
I really love her story and it Shelley Park has a nice ring to it.
Tom Scharr was a huge part of Wahlert Catholic's success in winning Dubuque, IA
their state championship. This name would give him the recognition he
needs. And it would benefit the whole community by educating people
Individuals or groups who have of his not only physical successions, but also his academic
21 Tom Scharr provided exceptional service to the City achievements. Ben Klavitter
Not Provided
This new park deserves to be named after Tom Scharr because his
legacy is more than just stats on a scoreboard —he's a hometown hero
who brought pride, unity, and excitement to the community every Friday
Scharr night. His talent electrified the field, but it was his leadership, work
ethic, and sportsmanship that truly set him apart. Naming the park after
Tom not only honors his athletic achievements but also immortalizes
the inspiration he gave to younger generations. It's a tribute to the grit
Individuals or groups who have and heart he showed on and off the field —a reminder that greatness
provided exceptional service to the City can grow right here at home. Aaron Cutsforth
Geographic location, such as naming in Not Provided
I guess because it's off Rockdale Road and that indicates it's location
23 Rockdale Park relationship to an adjacent street easily for people. Sara Burke
Page 472 of 579
CITY OF DUBUQUE
PARK & RECREATION FACILITY NAMING POLICY
The City recognizes the importance of naming its parks and recreational facilities. The name of
a park, trail, recreational facility, or natural area carries context and meaning to members of the
community as well as providing a means of identifying and utilizing the City's many public spaces.
To that end, this policy provides a consistent, systematic approach to naming the City's parks,
trails, recreational facilities, and natural areas.
I. Guiding Principles
It is the City's right to reserve the naming or renaming of parks, trails, recreational facilities, or
natural areas to serve the best interests of the City and preserve a worthy and enduring legacy
for the City's parks and recreation system. Naming requests should generally fall within one
of the following broad categories:
a. Historic events, people, and places;
b. Individuals (living or non -living) or groups who have provided exceptional service
to the City of Dubuque's park system, recreation facilities or the City as a whole;
c. Major donations, including land or other contributions for the improvement and/or
expansion of the park or trails system.
d. Geographic location, such as naming in relationship to an adjacent street.
Naming/renaming is also meant to be a permanent act to minimize confusion, encourage a
thoughtful approach to naming, and to respect our City's history. Renaming current facilities
should only be undertaken when clearly warranted.
II. Procedures
These procedures are meant to ensure that naming is approached in a consistent manner.
a. Requests for naming or renaming of parks, trails, recreational facilities or natural
areas shall be submitted to the Leisure Services Manager in writing. The request
must contain at minimum the proposed name and reasons for the proposed name.
If the request is to replace a current name, the request must contain a justification
for renaming. In addition, requests should be accompanied by documentation
attesting to community support for the proposed name, including signed letters or
petitions.
b. Upon receipt of a request for naming or renaming, the Leisure Services Manager
shall evaluate whether the request complies with the guiding principles of this
policy, authenticate supporting documents, and prepare and forward the
information for the Commission's consideration.
c. The naming or renaming request should be presented to the Commission at a
public meeting within two months of receipt of the request by the Leisure Services
Manager. The Commission is responsible for developing their recommendation
concerning the request to be presented to the City Council.
Approved by City Council 12-3-18
Page 473 of 579
d. The Commission will allow for public input and comment on naming or renaming
requests.
e. At a subsequent public meeting, the City Council may consider the
recommendation of the Commission and the Leisure Services Manager in reaching
a final decision concerning the request.
The City Council approved Fundraising and Naming Recognition Policy will be used with this
policy when and where applicable.
Approved by City Council 12-3-18
Page 474 of 579