Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Culture topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hammond council introduces ordinances to name park facilities after longtime local educators and coaches
Summary
Councilmembers introduced ordinances to name the Martin Luther King Jr. Park pavilion for Maxine Dixon, the softball field for Leon Blue McCray, the basketball court for Wilfrid Don Steptoe and the Safe Haven building for Dr. Clara V. Robertson; proponents highlighted each honoree's contributions to local youth and education.
The Hammond City Council introduced several ordinances March 24 to name facilities in Martin Luther King Jr. Park after local educators and coaches.
Council members described each honoree’s service: Maxine Dixon served on the school board and as a principal; Leon Blue McCray organized and coached neighborhood baseball teams and ran the local Hammond Berries semi‑pro team; Wilfrid Don Steptoe coached and mentored youth and worked for the city; and Dr. Clara V. Robertson served as an educator and school board member. "It's a way to leave a mark where the next generation will be able to understand the price that was paid for some of the things they are able to enjoy," one councilmember said when proposing the Maxine Dixon pavilion.
Council members also noted a state statute that disallows naming public facilities for living persons; the council said it verified that the intended honorees meet the applicable requirements and introduced the ordinances for future action.
Public commenters who grew up with the honorees recalled community programs and athletic opportunities those individuals helped provide. The introductions were moved, seconded and advanced without recorded opposition.
