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Germantown board renames Riverdale athletic field for coach Will Drennen
Summary
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously adopted a resolution renaming Riverdale Park’s athletic field to Will Drennen Field to honor a coach who drowned in 2022 while attempting to save a child.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved Resolution 26 R 03 on March 23, renaming the athletic field at Riverdale Park in honor of Will Drennen.
Parks and Recreation Director Natalie Ruffin explained the Parks & Recreation Commission’s recommendation and the city's naming policy; the commission approved the renaming at its Jan. 22 meeting. Director Ruffin recounted Drennen’s actions on Aug. 9, 2022, when he drowned while trying to save a child from a storm‑water drainage ditch; she described the renaming as a permanent memorial to his courage and service.
Vice Mayor Gibson and other board members praised Drennen’s "instinctive courage and true selflessness," and the mayor invited family and friends forward for a framed resolution and presentation. The board’s motion to approve was made by Vice Mayor Gibson and seconded by Alderman Hicks; the resolution takes effect immediately.
The resolution states the athletic field at Riverdale Park (7345 Meschober Road) will be known as Will Drennen Field to honor Drennen’s actions and memory. The proclamation and a presentation took place in the meeting; family members accepted the memorial.
Next steps: The renaming is immediate; staff will proceed with the memorial presentation and any associated signage or ceremonial items in coordination with the family and Parks and Recreation staff.
