Commission names downtown pocket park for late commissioner Iho Pomeroy

The City Commission unanimously adopted a resolution dedicating approximately 0.03 acres of city land at North Black Parking Lot to be public parkland and establishing the name Iho Pomeroy Peace Park.

Addie Jaden, Parks Planning and Development Manager, described the pocket‑park expansion and memorial elements that will honor late Commissioner Iho Pomeroy, including Korean‑inspired gateways and artwork, a peace pole with inscriptions in multiple languages, enhanced landscaping, seating and bike parking. Jaden said construction has already begun on the site and that the designation was required to qualify for some of the grant funds supporting the project.

Derek Pomeroy, the honoree’s spouse, spoke in support and thanked partners including the Downtown Bozeman Partnership, Sunrise Rotary and city staff. Commissioners noted that the project was ranked highly in a Gallatin County Open Space Program grant round and that the city had followed its park‑naming policy (adopted by resolution in February 2020) and obtained family support for the memorial.

Deputy Mayor Morrison moved adoption of the resolution with an amendment removing one recording step that was unnecessary because the land is already city‑owned. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioners said they looked forward to interpretive plaques and other program materials that explain Pomeroy’s community contributions and the cultural elements incorporated into the park design.

Financial and partner support reported at the meeting included city funds, grant funding from the Gallatin County Open Space Program and donations and in‑kind participation from Downtown Bozeman Partnership and Sunrise Rotary; staff said they can provide a funding spreadsheet on request.