Council names Pioneer Park road 'MLK Way' after public support and advisory recommendation

The Brookings City Council approved a resolution to name the road within Pioneer Park "MLK Way," with staff and the clerk amending the resolution language to include "Junior." Josh Bowman, assistant director of parks, recreation and forestry, told the council the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommended the naming 4–1, and estimated signage costs at $600 to be paid from the parks general supplies fund.

Thomas Reynolds, an SDSU student who brought the request forward, described visiting the Lorraine Motel and argued Brookings should honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; multiple residents and students spoke in favor, citing historical context and inclusivity. Diane Nagy, chair of the Human Rights Commission, urged the council to reinforce Brookings’ reputation as welcoming by taking the step at the city level.

Council discussion focused on the precise wording of the sign, with councilmembers and staff agreeing to include "Junior" in the street name and noting that public notice for tonight’s action was adequate. The parks department indicated the cost of signage would be covered from existing parks funds and that naming would follow city naming rules.

Council carried the motion on a roll-call vote and directed staff to finalize the signage and update the resolution language per the clerk’s direction. The council noted the project’s small direct cost and emphasized its symbolic value to community inclusivity.

Next steps: parks staff will arrange signage installation and the clerk will file the finalized resolution reflecting the adopted name.