Group proposes renaming Centennial Park to honor Mong veterans; commission to consult parks and vendors

Hart Incorporated filed a proposal asking the Anchorage Public Naming Commission to rename Centennial Park as "Mong Veterans Memorial Park," citing the market community’s long association with the site and noting that legislative and assembly funds have been appropriated for a Mong veterans memorial.

Commissioners clarified that the proposers appear to be seeking a name for the market area within Centennial Park rather than renaming every facility in the park. Staff said the commission must consult Parks and Recreation to determine whether it can legally name a portion of a dedicated park or whether the memorial would necessitate renaming the entire park. The commission also noted that the parks board of supervisors would provide an advisory opinion before the commission votes a recommendation.

Members discussed outreach to vendors and suggested notifying the Northeast Community Council and market organizers so vendors — many of whom speak English as a second language — can submit testimony or letters. Commissioners asked proposers to add narrative about the funded-but-not-yet-built memorial to the application packet so the public will be aware of the memorial funding when the hearing is noticed.

Next steps: staff will consult Parks and Recreation about naming portions of a park, request an advisory opinion from the parks board, and notify the Northeast Community Council and market organizers; a public hearing date will be scheduled after the commission completes the June hearing process for the downtown library.