Agenda 12/09/2025 Item #16F 6 (Resolution - Naming the Golden Gate Community Center gymnasium in honor of Ms. Janice Elliott. )12/9/2025
Item # 16.F.6
ID# 2025-4835
Executive Summary
Recommendation to adopt a Resolution naming the Golden Gate Community Center gymnasium in honor of Ms. Janice
Elliott.
OBJECTIVE: To honor the impact of a former employee and inspire future leaders in the community.
CONSIDERATIONS: Ms. Janice Elliott served as a Program Leader at the Golden Gate Community Center for almost
fifteen years, from 1993-2008. During her tenure, she nurtured thousands of children, keeping them safe and off the
streets. One of the most successful programs in the history of the Community Center was a "Midnight Basketball"
program that provided teenagers and young adults a safe haven on weekends. The program regularly drew 300–400 a
weekend, either to watch or participate. The Community Center was the "go-to" place in Collier County, attracting
athletes such as Edgerrin James to compete on a weekly basis. The Sheriff's Office lauded the program as a creative way
to reduce crime in the community while providing a safe alternative for young adults to congregate and socialize. The
program would not have been a success without Ms. Elliott. She managed the program with a firm but fair hand. She
managed with love, but everyone knew who was in charge.
Following Ms. Ellott's retirement, she battled health issues and passed away in August 2017. To this day, her three
surviving children, Tracy, Jude, and Jake, receive comments from adults who previously frequented the Community
Center about the positive impact Ms. Elliott had on their lives. Many have said they would be in jail without the
guidance of Ms. Elliott. Earlier this year, an idea was presented to name the gymnasium in honor of "Ms. Janice", as she
was affectionately called. The idea was presented to the Golden Gate Community Center Advisory Board and the Parks
and Recreation Advisory Board, both of which approved the request unanimously. This resolution recognizes the long-
time contributions and lasting impact Ms. Janice made to the Golden Gate Community.
FISCAL IMPACT: There will be no fiscal impact as the memorial sign will be donated.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this action.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney. There is a 2003 Board-approved
County Manager procedure for the naming of County buildings, which is intended for public petitions to name a
building. The policy expressly provides that "The Board of County Commissioners may name a County -owned facility
to honor a natural person or persons, living or deceased." The Board in the past has named several County buildings and
Parks after both former Commissioners and senior staff. Accordingly, this item is approved as to form and legality, and
requires a majority vote for approval. -JAK
RECOMMENDATION(S): To adopt a Resolution naming the Golden Gate Community Center gymnasium in honor of
Ms. Janice Elliott.
PREPARED BY: John Dunnuck
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution - Gymnasium
2. Building Naming Policy
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