Policy No.: 100.006
Resolution No.: RR20-14
Date Approved: 03/10/2014
Supersedes the following Resolutions & Policies: 34-78; 5-83; RR109-09

Policy

(Approved by the Board of Park Commissioners.)

Purpose:

It is the policy of the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma (hereinafter named the District) to seek, encourage, and facilitate public and private gifts, donations, bequests, and contributions (collectively referred to as gifts) that enhance, beautify, improve, supplement, support, or otherwise benefit the District’s park and recreation system consistent with the District’s strategic plan, park master plan and program plans. This policy does not cover sponsorships or other similar agreements such as partnerships, joint ventures, cooperative agreements, etc.

Policy Requirements:

Section I.

The District shall accept only those gifts that are consistent with its vision and mission. The District’s overall vision and mission is to provide and preserve sufficient open space and recreational facilities to meet the needs of all of the citizens it serves, and to provide meaningful recreational and educational programs to those citizens. However, the District reserves the right to refuse any gift, at its sole discretion, including gifts of cash and/or other property, for any or no stated reason.

Section II.

The District shall accept gifts when given with the full understanding that they become the property of the District, and are subject to the laws, policies and procedures that govern the District and its operations. Gifts of real or personal property may be accepted only with the additional understanding that the District is not obligated to replace any gift which is stolen, vandalized, worn out, irreparably damaged, destroyed, or otherwise rendered unfit for District use; and that the District, at its sole discretion, may dispose of such property if, or when, it becomes unfit for service or when the District determines the property is surplus to its needs.

Section III.

The District may solicit and accept gifts of cash from private individuals, for-profit corporations, not-for-profit organizations, and public entities, which are given with no contingencies.

Section IV.

The District may accept gifts of cash or properties which are restricted by the donor for use for a particular purpose only after the District determines it can honor the donor’s desires if the donation is accepted.

Section V.

Resource Development in coordination with appropriate departments shall establish standards, which will be used to evaluate all proposed memorial gifts prior to their acceptance.

Section VI.

Resource Development shall appropriately recognize and acknowledge donors for their gifts.

Section VII.

For special collections, such as historical, botanical and zoological, other district policies may apply and will be followed.

Section VIII.

The Board of Park Commissioners authorizes the Executive Director to create the procedures necessary to implement these policies.