Council refers request to rename Woodrow Street Park to 'Haymount Park at Woodrow' to Parks & Rec advisory board

Council on Feb. 3 referred a citizen‑initiated request to rename Woodrow Street Park to Haymount Park at Woodrow to the Fayetteville Permanent Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for review and recommendation.

Council Member Green presented the request and said the Friends of Haymount — a neighborhood group — asked that the park name reflect the neighborhood. Green said the group met with parks staff and requested the change be recorded as “Haymount Park at Woodrow.”

Councilman Benavente moved the request; council discussed constituent emails both for and against the change and the correct formulation of the proposed name. Several council members asked that the referral follow the city’s policy requiring a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation advisory committee and that staff clarify any financial implications of renaming, including signage and related administrative steps. City staff said sign shop and operational costs are expected to be minimal and that the parks advisory committee recommendation will be returned to council.

Councilor Davis noted that some opposition letters came from residents in a neighboring district, and council confirmed the referral will proceed through the advisory committee per policy. Council did not make a final name change at the work session; the advisory committee will provide a recommendation to council and staff will outline any procedural or cost details.

Action summary: referral to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for recommendation; staff to report back on any financial or procedural items associated with a name change.