Council backs concept for 'Peak Performers' wall, asks staff for removable/electronic options and policy review

The DeSoto City Council on Jan. 6 approved the concept to create a "Peak Performers" wall at the forthcoming Aquatic and Recreation Center, while asking staff to return with design options and a naming policy that would allow names to be updated or removed.

Parks staff presented a preliminary list of DeSoto-area athletes and achievers and said the park board had unanimously approved the names for inclusion in concept designs. Mayor Pro Tem Crystal Chisholm cautioned that permanent naming can expose the city to reputational risk when honorees remain living: "Anytime we get to a naming convention for people that are still alive, we put ourselves in a position that if they do anything that is not ethical or morally right, we position ourselves in answering to the public for that." Chisholm asked staff to consider removability and policy safeguards.

Parks staff and other council members suggested feasible fixes: using smaller removable placards, blank placeholders for future additions, or an electronic display that could be updated without costly wall work. Staff said they would ask the project-management firm to develop schematic designs that include removable placards or an electronic option and to return with cost estimates and recommended policy language.

Council Member Rachel Proctor urged adding Jordan Jones to the preliminary list; staff agreed to incorporate the request. The council approved the concept unanimously with direction to refine design and policy and to return with an updated schematic.