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Council approves Marshall n. White Community Center name and dedicates Bill Lyons Gymnasium
Summary
The Ogden City Council approved naming the new community center the Marshall n. White Community Center and designated the gymnasium the Mister Bill Lyons Gymnasium (the "Lions Den"), honoring two local figures with ties to the site and longtime service to Ogden youth.
The Ogden City Council on May 13 unanimously approved naming the new community center on the historic Marshall White site the Marshall n. White Community Center and designated the new facility's gymnasium as the Mister Bill Lyons Gymnasium ("the Lions Den").
Justin Anderson of Ogden City Public Services presented the renaming recommendation, recounting Marshall n. White's biography: born in Humboldt, Tennessee, raised in Chicago, a podiatry graduate and World War II veteran who moved to Ogden and became one of the city's first Black police officers in 1949. Anderson said White co‑founded the Wall Avenue Recreational Center, was active in the NAACP and that the original Marshall White Center had been dedicated in 1968 on property where White and his family lived. The original center closed and was demolished in 2023 because of structural problems; staff led community outreach and built the replacement on the historic site. Anderson noted a ribbon cutting and dedication scheduled for May 22 at 5 p.m.
Anderson also presented a proposal to continue the legacy of the prior facility by naming the gymnasium for Mister Bill H. Lyons in recognition of decades of youth coaching, program leadership and service at the Marshall White Center dating back to the 1960s. Council members praised the nominees and moved to adopt the joint resolutions.
Council Member Myers moved approval of joint Resolution 2025‑2 (Marshall n. White Community Center); Vice Chair Hyer seconded. The council adopted the resolution by roll call. Council Member Blair moved approval of joint Resolution 2025‑3 (Mister Bill Lyons Gymnasium); Council Member Graff seconded; the council approved the resolution by roll call.
Why it matters: The naming recognizes historical community leaders and seeks continuity by rebuilding the community center at its historic location. City staff said the original Marshall White Center was the only public building in Utah previously named for a Black individual and that preserving the name and the historic plaque honors that legacy.
What's next: Staff will install the refurbished plaque and complete final preparations for the May 22 dedication and public grand opening events.
