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Resident urges council to keep Michael Ryan dedication as debate continues over Gold Star families memorial
Summary
A longtime resident asked Waynesfield council to retain the walking path’s dedication to Michael Ryan; council took a first reading on a resolution to rename the path for Gold Star families and agreed to solicit more public input and consider monument placement along the path.
A resident who identified herself as Barb urged the Waynesfield council to leave the park’s walking path named for Michael Ryan, citing his leadership in planning and completing the park and listing existing memorials located around the grounds.
"I'm here tonight asking council to reconsider renaming the walk path to leave it as is in honor of Michael Ryan," Barb said, listing a veterans memorial, a plaque to a longtime volunteer and other commemorative markers already placed in the park.
Council members discussed a competing proposal — Resolution 25-10-4 — to rename the path as the Gold Star Families Walking Path. Supporters said the change would honor local families who lost members to military service, while others said the village could instead place new memorial monuments along the existing path without changing its name.
Council voted to advance Resolution 25-10-4 on a first reading to give residents time to comment and to allow committee members to gather additional information. Several council members emphasized the first-reading status and said the item would return later for a final decision after the council solicits more input.
Parks-ad-hoc committee members said a park dedication event is being planned and that monuments and interpretive signage could be placed along the walking path whether or not the path’s formal name is changed. Council asked the parks committee to report back with options and community feedback.
