Council hears Brobeck family testimony on Homestead Park renaming; directs parks commission to formally review

Family members and the University Place Historical Society asked the City Council on July 21 to add the Brobeck family name to Homestead Park signage to reflect the property's history as a Brobeck homestead. Council members praised the testimony but split over process; after discussion the council directed staff to send the request to the Parks Commission for formal consideration, asked staff to provide a signage cost estimate, and encouraged placement of a historical marker describing the homestead history.

The request and testimony Representatives of the Brobeck family and the University Place Historical Society described the parcel now called Homestead Park as part of a Brobeck family homestead purchased in 1931 by John and Anna Brobeck (the family and witnesses described a 40‑acre Brobeck farm that later became Town Center and the current Homestead Park). Karen Benveniste of the University Place Historical Society summarized the family’s agricultural history and asked the council to “consider this request” to add the family name to park signage. Several family members gave oral histories in public comment, describing multi‑generation ties to University Place and the parcel now in Town Center.

Council concerns about process and permanence Councilmembers agreed the family testimony was compelling but many councilmembers emphasized following the city’s naming policy (Resolution 6-44). Councilmember Boykin noted that legislative proposals are rare and framed the request as an opportunity to "give a nod of appreciation to the historic 20 acre Brobeck Homestead and Farm." Councilmembers raised three recurring concerns: (1) the Parks Commission had heard the request only as public comment rather than conducting a formal, documented review; (2) renaming is considered a near‑permanent action under city policy and must be weighed carefully; and (3) other local families and historic ties might seek similar recognition if the council changes naming practice.

How the Parks Commission handled the request City staff explained the sequence: the Historical Society presented the idea during the Parks Commission meeting as public comment; the commission did not take a formal recommendation vote because the item had not come to the commission by council referral, but commissioners did indicate general endorsement of the opportunity for the proposal to come to council. Several councilmembers said the commission’s public‑comment reaction did not substitute for a formal Parks Commission recommendation and therefore requested a formal review.

Signage donation and timing Proponents said the Brobeck family offered to cover the cost of new park signage if the council approved a name change. Council asked staff to produce a cost estimate for consistent signage and to confirm whether the park renovation schedule (federal and local funding for a reconstruction expected next year) could be used to time any sign replacement or a commemorative marker at a grand‑opening event. Councilmember Boykin said, “I wanted to make sure that this council is aware, at least in terms of fiscal impact, that it would not have to incur additional expense for signage if we were to move forward. That particular expense is generously being taken care of by the Brobeck family.”

Council action and next steps After extended public comment and council discussion the council agreed to the following direction: (1) send the legislative proposal and supporting materials to the Parks Commission with specific guidance to review the request under the city’s naming policy (Resolution 6‑44) and to provide a formal recommendation; (2) ask Parks staff to estimate sign replacement costs and timing and to report whether the park reconstruction schedule offers an opportunity to coordinate sign installation or a historical marker; and (3) pursue a historical marker describing the Brobeck homestead history regardless of the commission’s naming recommendation.

Why it matters Homestead Park sits in University Place’s Town Center and carries local historical meaning for residents who grew up in the area. Council members framed the request as an opportunity to “tell a more complete story historically and contextually” of the city’s origins while emphasizing caution because park renaming is difficult to reverse and can create a precedent.

Ending Staff will transmit the council’s direction to the Parks Commission and return to the council with the Parks Commission’s formal recommendation and a cost estimate for signage and/or a historical marker; park reconstruction is expected next year, and council suggested coordinating any ceremonial renaming or marker installation with that work.