Dublin Weighs Naming Facility After Former Mayor Janet Lockhart, Sets Naming Rules

DUBLIN, CA — The Dublin City Council will consider how best to honor former Mayor Janet Lockhart, who died in February, and whether to formally adopt a policy governing how public facilities are named.

Dublin has long followed informal guidelines for how to name and rename public parks and buildings, like using geographic features, historical references, and honoring community contributors. On Tuesday, the city council will consider establishing a formal “Facility Naming Policy” for naming new facilities, or renaming old ones. When naming new facilities or renaming old ones, the proposed rule would require public feedback and a recommendation from the Parks and Community Services Commission before approval from the city council. Smaller features like rooms or courtyards could be renamed directly by the council. Regardless, the council always retains final say.

The new policy would also limit commemorative naming to deceased individuals, except in exceptional circumstances.

The decision unfolds alongside discussion of how to recognize the legacy of Lockhart, who served as a city councilmember and mayor from 1997 to 2007. Lockhart was elected to the Dublin City Council in 1996, and served as a council member from 1997 to 2001. She was first appointed mayor in 2001, then elected in 2002, and served until 2007.

She played a key role during a period of significant growth and development in Dublin, including the construction of Hacienda Crossings, the West Dublin-Pleasanton BART station, the Dublin Ranch development, and the opening of the Dublin Senior Center.

Lockhart also supported community initiatives like the School of Imagination, an educational campus for children with special needs.

Staff have identified several potential naming options tied to projects she influenced, including parts of Heritage Park, the Dublin Senior Center, Emerald Glen Park, and the Civic Center.

If the new policy is approved, naming an entire facility after Lockhart will generally require public input and a commission review, while naming smaller features like a room, courtyard, or playground can be approved directly by the city council. The new policy also advises that recognition should be given via the most fitting memorial, rather than any public space.

See here for more information, and here for Tuesday’s full agenda.

SEE ALSO:

• Dublin Mourns The Loss Of Janet Lockhart, Former Mayor