Council renames South End Community Center for Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto

The Evanston City Council on Jan. 27 approved a special order to rename the South End Community Center the Dr. Jorge and Luz Maria Prieto Community Center.

Council Member Haggar Jaracares introduced the motion as a community‑driven request that began with neighborhood residents and the Prieto family. Jaracares said the family’s long ties to the neighborhood and community service made the recognition appropriate; she added that including Luz Maria Prieto in the name was important because “they really were a team.”

Audrey Thompson, director of Parks and Recreation, explained the board’s caution stemmed from a city resolution setting a typical seven‑year posthumous waiting period for naming parks and recreation facilities; the resolution uses “typically” to allow exceptions. Thompson said the Parks and Recreation Board had not recommended the renaming because of policy precedent, but that staff could implement the change if council approved.

Several council members said they supported the recognition while noting concerns about procedure and precedent. The clerk recorded a unanimous 9‑0 vote to rename the facility; council members said a follow‑up would ensure the name is preserved if facilities or operations change.

The motion passed without amendment. Staff will update signage and records to reflect the new name and coordinate a community celebration with the Prieto family.