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Council tables proposal to rename Riverview Park after residents say the park’s name should be preserved
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Summary
Residents urged Radford City Council not to rename Riverview Park during a time of tight finances and while park repairs remain unfinished; council heard alternatives and voted to table the renaming for community input.
Several River Street residents told the Radford City Council they oppose renaming Riverview Park to honor the late Colonel Bud Jeffries.
"Nothing I say is meant to be a slight to him or his family," Rebecca said, but she urged the council not to change the park name because of cost concerns, outstanding storm damage repairs and the park's role in shared family memories. She added that renaming would minimize other local figures tied to the park.
Sherry Feeney, introduced as Rebecca's mother, asked the council to vote "nay" on changing the name and instead table the motion until the city is in a better financial position or refer the idea to committees. She suggested alternatives such as a memorial bench, a plaque at the boat landing, renaming a road into Ingalls Park, or a recognition at the Glencoe Museum.
Council members thanked the speakers and discussed options. Councilmember (unnamed) and counsel noted the need to avoid displacing neighborhood identity and suggested alternative ways to honor Colonel Jeffries. Options mentioned included adding his name alongside the park (maintaining "Riverview"), creating an honorary road name, adding interpretive signage at Glencoe Mansion or the train viewing platform, or moving the idea to community outreach and committee review.
On a motion to table further action and seek more community input, the council voted in favor and set a 30‑day window for additional consideration. Several members said they want to solicit community suggestions on how best to honor the colonel without erasing local memories.
