Residents Urge Council to Keep "Oscar Johnson Jr." as Staff Recommends 'Enrichment and Recreation' Name

Deputy Director McCheska told the council the city plans to open the new Oscar Johnson facility Sept. 9 and staff, the Parks Board and the facility board are recommending the name "Oscar Johnson Jr. Enrichment and Recreation Center" to reflect expanded programming and an 86,000–87,000 square‑foot complex. McCheska said staff wanted a name that emphasizes community programming, wellness and recreation across the large site.

During the citizen comment period, multiple speakers—several identifying themselves as family members and long‑time East Side residents—urged the council not to remove or diminish Oscar Johnson Jr.'s name. Carl White said removing the name would "risk erasing a valid part of Cotton Road history," and asked why the name would be considered "not inclusive." William Anderson, who identified himself as a relative of Oscar Johnson Jr., said ‘‘if it ain't broke, don't fix it’’ and urged the council to keep the current name. Other speakers, including Dorothy Washington and Cheryl Hightower, emphasized that naming public facilities after Black community leaders is rare in Conroe and urged the city to preserve the legacy.

Council members and staff responded that the staff recommendation explicitly retains "Oscar Johnson Jr." in the title and that several signs already installed display the Johnson name. Deputy Director McCheska and other staff said the proposed title is intended to expand how the facility is described while continuing to honor the Johnson family; staff confirmed signage with Oscar Johnson is already in place at the facility. The council agreed the formal name would be read into the motion when the matter returns for final action, ensuring the decision appears in the public record.

Staff also presented operational details connected to the new facility: a ribbon‑cutting on Sept. 9 from 2–5 p.m. with remarks at 3 p.m., tours, and a phased staff transition before public programming begins. Council members pressed staff on operational costs—particularly energy costs associated with a mostly‑glass building—and discussed whether the department's proposed two new positions (a community program manager and a facilities/rentals coordinator) can be funded under the existing hiring freeze and departmental budget. Deputy Director McCheska said the two positions would be added to the FY2025–26 departmental budget and that staff believe they can be funded out of departmental savings but that the positions are also included in next year’s budget documents for finalization.

The council also raised public‑safety concerns about homeless encampments in some parks, especially on the East Side, and asked the police and parks staff to coordinate an increased presence; staff said they would return with recommendations. The council did not take a final vote on a formal ordinance or contract at the workshop; staff said the naming motion and any related personnel actions will be presented during the next public meeting where the record will reflect the adopted name.