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Council unanimously renames Medical Center Park for former city manager John Ward
Summary
After a public hearing and Park Board recommendation, the council adopted resolution 02-25-20 to rename Medical Center Park "John Ward Memorial Park," citing Ward's 21 years of service and a long list of city projects completed during his tenure.
The Amarillo City Council voted Feb. 25 to rename Medical Center Park as John Ward Memorial Park, approving resolution 02-25-20 after a public hearing and a Park Board recommendation.
Michael Kashuba, the city's parks director, reviewed criteria in the municipal code for renaming facilities and summarized John Ward—s contributions during a 21-year tenure as city manager, including new libraries, parks, fire stations, a downtown bus terminal and water-supply improvements. "Over his 21-year tenure as city manager Amarillo gained three new libraries, a downtown bus terminal, six new city parks ..." Kashuba read from the resolution summarizing Ward's record.
The Park Board discussed candidate parks and, after public testimony (including remarks from Mrs. Ward), recommended Medical Center Park be renamed. Councilman Simpson moved adoption; the motion received a second and passed by voice vote. Council then joined family members at the front of the chamber for a presentation and photograph.
The vote and the presentation were purely ceremonial policy actions under the municipal naming criteria; staff said the Park Board review and public-notice steps required by ordinance had been completed prior to council consideration.
Next steps: staff will coordinate plaques and signage and make the renaming official in city records.
