During a recent government meeting, a proposal was put forth to rename Liberty Bell Park to Lafayette Square in honor of General Marquis de Lafayette's historical visit to Utica on June 10, 1825. The suggestion was made by a local resident who highlighted the significance of Lafayette's contributions to American independence and the need to commemorate his legacy.

The resident noted that a plaque commemorating Lafayette's visit, erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 1897, still stands in the area. He expressed his desire to see the park's name changed to reflect this historical connection, especially as the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's visit approaches.

The proposal has garnered support from local organizations, including the Oneida Chapter of the DAR, which is actively involved in planning events for the Bicentennial Lafayette Commission. The commission includes 29 members from various organizations, including historians and educators, who are collaborating to celebrate Lafayette's legacy.

The meeting also included routine reports from city officials, with no significant updates from the mayor or other department heads. The discussion around the park's renaming reflects a growing interest in recognizing historical figures and events that have shaped the community.