Council considers naming athletic complex for Curtis 'Fitz' Fitzgerald; will return to regular agenda

City staff returned a naming request for the Palestine athletic complex and reminded the council that renaming a street had proven complicated for address and utility issues, so naming the complex was proposed as an alternative. The proposal under discussion is to name the facility in honor of Curtis Wayne Fitzgerald.

One councilmember suggested a compromise between formal name and local usage: “if and when we do rename the athletic complex that we maybe put it as Curtis and then in parentheses Fitz and then Fitzgerald,” so visitors would see both the full name and the nickname. Councilmembers discussed using a plaque or historical marker on site to record Fitzgerald’s background rather than lengthening the official facility name.

Councilmembers and family members present said Fitzgerald’s family would be honored; council discussion concluded with the direction to place the naming item on the regular agenda for formal consideration and any required notification to the family. No ordinance or resolution was voted on during the work session.