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Council hears request to memorialize Southside Loop for longtime public‑works employee
Summary
Council reviewed a citizen proposal to rename the loop at Southside Park in honor of long-serving public‑works employee Clayton Cooler; public commenters supported the renaming and staff said a resolution would be prepared for a future council meeting.
Council received a citizen request to memorialize and rename the small loop inside Southside Park — the drive and parking area near the playground and pavilion — in honor of a longtime public‑works employee identified in public comments as Clayton Cooler.
Councilmember sponsorship: The proposal was raised by a council member who said Clayton Cooler served the city for more than 45 years and was instrumental in public‑works operations, including during the construction and later conversion of the wastewater/park site. Family members and residents spoke in favor of the renaming.
Supporters described Cooler as dedicated to the city’s operations. Resident Warren Parker said, "Clayton Cooler was an icon in this city, and his loss was a great loss to this city because he's the only man I knew, maybe some of his employees, but he was the only one I knew who really knew where every pipe and every wire or whatever was under the streets in the city of Beaufort." Public commenters recommended that council proceed by resolution and suggested the cultural district might assist with signage.
City staff said they would prepare a resolution to memorialize the renaming and bring it to a future council meeting for adoption; no formal vote or ordinance was taken at the work session. Staff and speakers discussed confirming the honoree’s full legal name and coordinating with family for signage and a formal dedication.
No council action was recorded during the work session; staff indicated next steps would include drafting a memorialization resolution and confirming details with the family.
