19781219 r-78-23RESOLUTION NO. R-78-23
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING RICHARD RATCLIFFE PARK
WHEREAS, the Southeast Citizens Association has requested
that the Council of the City of Fairfax officially designate the
playground and property behind Fairfax Elementary School at
Sager Avenue and Locust Street as a City Park; and,
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Southeast Citizens Associ-
ation and the City Council to name this park after Richard
a prominent, public spirited citizen of the area in the late
1700s and early 1800s; and,
WHEREAS, Richard Ratcliffe, owner of several large tracts
of land in Fairfax City, in 1799 supported and made possible the
move of the Fairfax County Courthouse from Alexandria to Fairfax
City by making property available for its construction.
WHEREAS, Richard Ratcliffe was responsible for initiating
public settlement of this area which has become known as the City
of Fa±rfax; and,
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Fairfax regards the up-
grading of this property from a neighborhood park to a City Park,
and the naming of this park in recognition of Richard Ratcliffe
as most appropriate and fitting.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City o~
Fa±rfax officially designates the neighborhood park shown on
Fairfax City Tax Map 57-2 ((2)) Lot 138 as a City Park with the
name of "Richard Ratcliffe Park" effective this day, December 19,
1978.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that two signs made of redwood shall
be placed on the property, one with the name "Richard Ratcliffe
Park," and the second sign will have pertinent information of
Mr. Ratcliffe that shall read:
RICHARD RATCLIFFE
ca. 1750 - 1825
"Richard Ratcliffe was a prominent area businessman and
public spirited property owner. Through his efforts, the City of
1978-23
"Fairfax, then known as the Town of Providence, began to grow
and prosper in the late 18th century. In 1799, Mr. Ratcliffe
sold four acres of property for one dollar to construct the
Fairfax County Courthouse which became the keystone of further
development of Fairfax City. Because of Richard Ratcliffe's
interest in promoting the settlement of the area, this park is
named in his honor."
Adopted: December 19, 1978
Mayor
At res t:
City Clerk
-2-