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Seaside commission recommends naming Lincoln Cunningham Park basketball court for EJ Rowland
Summary
The Seaside Parks and Recreation Commission voted to recommend that the City Council approve naming the basketball court at Lincoln Cunningham Park after local player and mentor EJ Rowland and to place a commemorative plaque honoring his father, Earl Rowland, on a bench adjacent to the court.
The Seaside Parks and Recreation Commission voted 4-0 to recommend that the City Council approve naming the basketball court at Lincoln Cunningham Park for EJ Rowland and to place a commemorative plaque on a bench honoring his father, Earl Rowland.
Assistant City Manager Dan Milas presented the naming application and staff analysis, saying the submission included letters of support and statements of community impact. Milas told the commission that the city’s naming policy requires commemorative namings for deceased individuals of three or more years unless an applicant demonstrates exceptional service or outstanding achievement, and he said staff concluded Rowland met the policy’s criteria for an exception as a “Seaside native, professional basketball player, with international recognition” who has “local and international recognition” and community volunteer service.
Why it matters: The commission’s recommendation moves the request to two additional steps before a final decision: review by the Art and History Commission and then a City Council hearing. Dan Milas said the application was publicly noticed and that the city received one written public comment during the 30-day notice period.
Commission discussion and public comment Commissioners asked procedural and timing questions about the public-notice period and commission roles. One commissioner sought clarity about whether a subsequent City Council decision would trigger an additional 30-day comment period; Milas replied that the Council will hear the item regardless of commission recommendations and that the council has final authority.
During public comment, a resident who said they work in a correctional facility urged the commission to approve the naming and argued Rowland has quietly supported youth programs in Seaside. The resident said, “we should give people their flowers while they yet live,” and described Rowland’s longtime presence at the park named in the request.
Conflict disclosure and participation Vice Chair Lobo publicly disclosed a close personal connection to Rowland’s family and initially said she planned to recuse herself. Before the vote Lobo stated, “I did not benefit or gain anything from me, taking part of this action,” and participated in the roll call. The commission did not record any formal written disqualification.
Next steps Milas said the Art and History Commission is scheduled to review the request on Aug. 12; after both commissions review the request it will be placed on a City Council agenda. Milas also said the request was publicly noticed from July 1 through Aug. 1 and that the applicants have offered to pay for installation and signage costs.
Votes at a glance - Recommendation to name the basketball court at Lincoln Cunningham Park for EJ Rowland and to place a commemorative plaque honoring Earl Rowland on a bench: Commission recommendation approved, roll call 4-0 (Commissioner Pappas — yes; Commissioner Walton — yes; Vice Chair Lobo — yes; Chair Maxwell — yes). Mover/second: not specified in the record.
Ending The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Art and History Commission for review and then to the City Council for a final decision. Staff said it will include the public comment received during the posted comment period when the matter goes to Council.
