The Parks and Recreation Committee of Appleton convened on September 22, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the renaming process for Veterans Park. The meeting began with a pledge of allegiance and a roll call, confirming the presence of all members except for Alders Doherty and Van Zeland, who were excused.

The committee moved swiftly through the approval of previous meeting minutes, which passed unanimously. However, the primary focus of the meeting was the action item concerning the renaming process for Veterans Park. Initially, a motion was made to approve the renaming process, but it was subsequently withdrawn. Instead, a new motion was proposed to hold the item for one month, allowing the committee to revisit the park naming policy and update the process accordingly.

The discussion highlighted the need for clarity in the naming policy, which has been in place for some time but may require revisions to align with practices from other communities. Director Ghazal confirmed that the policy is regularly reviewed, but the committee expressed a desire to expand the criteria used for naming parks. This review aims to ensure that the public is well-informed about the expectations and processes involved in renaming parks.

Members of the committee emphasized the importance of separating the discussion into two distinct action items: one for the naming policy and another for the specific timeline and process related to Veterans Park. This separation would allow for a more focused approach to each aspect of the renaming process.

As the meeting concluded, the committee agreed to hold the item for further consideration, with plans to reconvene in a month to discuss the updated naming policy and the renaming process for Veterans Park. This decision reflects the committee's commitment to transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process regarding public spaces.