Mount Vernon council renames Fourth Street Park in honor of Gus "The Wizard" Williams

The Mount Vernon City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Feb. 26 renaming Fourth Street Park as Gus The Wizard Williams Park.

The measure, presented as item 11 from human resources, was moved and seconded and passed on a roll-call vote; the record shows all present council members voting aye. Councilman Derek Thompson, who brought the idea forward, said he played in the park as a child and described the renaming as a point of pride for local athletes. "I'm just ecstatic," Thompson said, adding that family members and community athletes have long used the park.

Councilwoman Gleason and other members described the renaming as a way to honor a local sports figure and to pair the dedication with an upcoming park renovation. Gleason said renaming the park is timely because the city is beginning the process of redoing the park and that it was an opportunity to honor local history.

The ordinance designates the new name effective immediately and directs the city’s human-resources and parks staff to coordinate a brief recognition and photo with the family. The council paused briefly for photos during the meeting before proceeding to the legislative agenda.

Votes at a glance: Item 11 — Ordinance to rename Fourth Street Park as Gus The Wizard Williams Park: Councilman Boxhill — Aye; Councilwoman Gleason — Aye; Councilman Thompson — Aye; Council President Daniel Brown — Aye. Outcome: adopted.

The council indicated the renaming will accompany forthcoming renovation work on the park; no budget figures for the renovation were presented during the Feb. 26 meeting.