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Council to take public input on proposed naming of Marshall White field house; item to appear on next agenda
Summary
At the March 25 joint work session council members discussed a request from the family of Marshall White to name the field house inside the Marshall White Community Center; several members recommended slowing the process to allow public input and advisory‑committee feedback before final action.
Council members discussed a proposal to name the indoor field house inside the Marshall White Community Center at a March 25 joint work session and agreed to place the matter on next week’s agenda for public comment rather than make a final decision immediately.
Background and proposal: Council staff said the naming request was made by Ron White on behalf of the family of Marshall White. The facility’s formal name, the Marshall White Community Center, would not change; the proposal concerns the field house portion inside that center.
Why it matters: some council members said they support honoring the service and sacrifice of Officer Nathan Lyday (discussed in the meeting context) but also said the community should have an opportunity to comment. One council member relayed a constituent’s remark that “she remains supportive of it, but … the community … has an opportunity to weigh in,” summarizing outreach that had taken place outside the meeting.
Process questions: staff noted the city has an ordinance governing naming decisions and outlined options: follow the ordinance criteria, treat the request as an administrative naming under existing rules, or delay for broader public engagement. Several council members suggested the Marshall White advisory committee — which meets quarterly — could be asked to discuss the proposal at its next meeting (May 14 is the committee’s next scheduled meeting, staff said). Council members also suggested the city explore donor-based naming opportunities and lower-cost fundraising recognitions (for example, donor bricks or commemorative leaves) as separate options.
Next step: by consensus the council asked staff to place the naming request on the council agenda for next week for public comment but not for final action, so the council can gather feedback (and could table the item for later decision). Staff said they will report on advisory-committee input and any community outreach before taking final action.
At the meeting several members emphasized respect for the White and Lyday families while also seeking a transparent public process. The discussion did not produce a vote; staff will return the item with public input and a recommendation.
