Seaside City Council on Aug. 18 voted unanimously to name the basketball court at Lincoln Cunningham Park the EJ Rowland Court and to place a commemorative plaque on a bench honoring his father, Earl Rowland. The decision followed extensive public comment from family members, community leaders and residents who described multi‑generational mentorship and philanthropy.
Why it matters: The move recognizes a local athlete who the staff packet described as a Seaside native with international basketball recognition, philanthropic work, youth mentorship and ongoing community engagement. Council members and multiple speakers framed the naming as honoring both local heritage and current community investment.
Staff said the application met the city’s Recreation Facility and Street Naming Policy criteria for commemorative naming. Assistant City Manager Dan Niewis presented the request and noted the Parks and Recreation and Arts & History commissions both recommended approval. The commissions found Rowland met criteria including lasting community contributions, youth development and local and international recognition; staff packet materials say Rowland is in the International Basketball Hall of Fame and is co‑owner of SideFX, an outreach program that provides back‑to‑school haircuts and supplies.
More than a dozen speakers — family members, former coaches, nonprofit leaders and residents — described Earl Rowland’s longtime youth work for the city and how EJ Rowland has returned to invest in Seaside through donations of jerseys and back‑to‑school events. Family members accepted the proclamation and several recounted the family’s deep roots in Seaside and Fort Ord; an aunt and other speakers asked the council to consider naming conventions (for example, including the nickname “Big Earl” on the plaque) and to coordinate plaque wording with the family.
Council discussion focused on the limited, formal scope of the naming process and recording the memorial in the city’s archives. Council member Melton made the motion to approve the naming and to allow the family to work with staff on the plaque wording (including whether to use 'Earl Rowland' or 'Big Earl Rowland'); the motion passed unanimously. The city noted the applicant will pay for installation of the plaque under the policy.
What happens next: Staff will work with the family on final plaque wording and handle installation. The council also agreed, by direction, to consider a public dedication ceremony after installation.