What’s in a name? That was the topic of discussion during a work study session hosted by the town council Tuesday evening, March 20, in which members discussed naming rights policy and locations, specifically along Avenue of the Fountains.

An item was recently brought before the council concerning the naming of the plaza that runs along Avenue of the Fountains in honor of former Mayor Sharon Morgan.

Under consideration, Vice Mayor Dennis Brown suggested at the time that there are few opportunities for the town to recognize outstanding citizens in regards to local parks, plazas and the like. A request to consider breaking down the Avenue of the Fountains plaza for additional naming opportunities was agreed upon, and the item was table for the time being.

During the March 20 study session, Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin presented a proposal to the board that broke the plaza into six terraces located within the plaza. These terraces are easily recognizable as the main gathering areas along the Avenue of the Fountains, boasting seating and, in all but one case, a water installation.

Goodwin stated that the recommendation would be to identify these areas for naming potential, with the board to consider the terrace closest to Fountain Park for naming in honor of Morgan. Since the most recent naming ceremony was for a downtown sculpture garden in honor of Jerry Miles, the thought is that the six terraces along the avenue could cover naming needs for quite a while.

Cost to the town for any such naming would be to host the ceremony and provide an appropriate plaque. Per policy, any potential naming would come to the council for consideration, with recommendations either offered by the Town Manager or as a request from outside groups.

With the work study session wrapped up, the council will revisit this process at a future item, where they will again consider official action.

As a final note, the strip of land along the Avenue of the Fountains could be considered for renaming, too. When it comes to the terraces designated within its borders, the council liked the idea of referring to those locations as “plazas,” such as “Morgan Plaza.”

However, the median land is known as the “Avenue of the Fountains Plaza.” As a result, the idea was kicked around that the name be changed to something like “Avenue of the Fountain Park” in order to avoid confusion.