Council tables renaming decision for Needles baseball complex, refers matter to Parks & Recreation

The Needles City Council heard an extended public discussion on a resident proposal to rename the city's baseball site'currently comprising Ed Perry Field and Phillips Field'as the "Ed Perry Baseball Complex." After lengthy public comments from residents, volunteers and sponsors, council voted to refer the naming issue to the Parks & Recreation Commission for additional outreach and a recommendation.

Proponent Joshua described vandalism and other concerns at the site and said naming the complex for Ed Perry would honor his contributions and help preserve the facilities. Several longtime volunteers and sponsors urged the council to retain recognition for both field names, arguing the Phillips name in particular reflects significant donor contributions and volunteer investment. One resident urged a neutral name such as "Needles Baseball Complex" to avoid confusion for visitors.

Speakers raised practical concerns including sign costs, Google Maps and website updates, potential community confusion if multiple names are combined, and the need for broader public input. The council discussed process considerations and accepted a staff recommendation to move the matter to Parks & Recreation to solicit wider community feedback, potentially by survey or at an upcoming Parks & Recreation meeting.

Councilmember McCorco moved to refer the item; the motion carried on a roll-call vote. Council instructed staff to publicize the referral and give the Parks & Recreation Commission sufficient time to vet options and return a recommendation to council.