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Park advisory board approves renaming Johnson Farms Park to Friendship Park
Summary
The Moorhead Park Advisory Board voted May 14 to rename Johnson Farms Park "Friendship Park" to honor the city's ties with Zako, Kurdistan, and to recognize the local Kurdish community. The board approved the recommendation unanimously and staff said private fundraising could add amenities.
The Moorhead Park Advisory Board voted May 14 to rename Johnson Farms Park "Friendship Park" in recognition of the city's relationship with Zako, Kurdistan.
Sean, a parks staff member who presented the proposal, said the item grew out of a July 2025 friendship-city proclamation between the city, MSUM and Zako and would acknowledge Moorhead's Kurdish community, which he said numbers about 3,500 residents or roughly 8% of the city population. "To honor this relationship locally, staff have been exploring opportunities to designate a city park as Friendship Park," Sean said.
The proposal noted staff is already phasing a sign-replacement program and that the Johnson Farms sign had not yet been reordered; staff said changing the name would not add immediate signage costs because that sign was scheduled for replacement already. The presentation also said community partners hope to fundraise privately for additional amenities such as shelters and a healing garden.
Board member Alexander Aldrich, identified during roll call as a Park Advisory Board member, moved to approve the recommendation; the motion was seconded by Aaron and carried with all members saying "aye." Alexander Aldrich said he was "excited" for the change and called it a way to help neighbors feel part of the community.
The vote was a recommendation from the advisory board; staff will follow the city's process for finalizing any name-change signage and coordinate with the community on fundraising and amenity planning.
