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City names new Cesar Chavez park 'Unity Park' after community engagement

Grand Rapids City Commission (committee of the whole) ยท November 18, 2025

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Summary

Following two rounds of community engagement and a Park Advisory Board recommendation, the commission voted to officially name the 6880 Cesar Chavez park 'Unity Park'; the parks department noted 415 confirmed votes and 232 in favor of the winning name.

The City Commission on Nov. 18 voted to name the new park at 6880 Cesar Chavez "Unity Park," following an extensive community engagement process and Park Advisory Board recommendation.

Laura Claypool of the parks department summarized the process: the naming effort began in 2024, included two community engagement rounds, a public hearing on Oct. 21 that produced no public comments, and a final voting period that recorded 415 confirmed votes with 232 in favor of "Unity Park." The Park Advisory Board approved the selection on Oct. 1.

Commissioners thanked staff and community participants for the outreach. Some commissioners noted continued interest in honoring a local figure (Mr. Navarro) with other forms of recognition; staff said they had engaged Navarro family members during the process and would consider additional commemorative options.

The naming resolution passed by voice vote.