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Council approves names for two new Safford parks after debate over outreach and timing
Summary
The City of Safford adopted Resolution R25-4 to name two upcoming parks—one on Discovery Park Boulevard and one on El Paso Boulevard—after officials debated whether to name them now or wait for more development and public input; the motion passed 6–1.
The Safford City Council on Feb. 2025 adopted Resolution R25-4 to name two new parks, approving the Parks and Recreation advisory committee’s recommendation despite questions about the low turnout for the naming survey.
Mayorga presented the committee’s recommendation and explained the process, saying the committee used a public open house, electronic surveys and in-person outreach to compile suggestions. Clerk Jamie reported that 97 votes were cast for “Mayor Jason Couts” and seven votes for “Owens family,” with the remaining names receiving one or a few nominations.
Councilmembers disagreed on whether to formalize park names before construction. Councilwoman Bratner and others urged waiting until dirt had been moved and families of honorees had been consulted; other members said naming the parks now helps the public and staff refer to projects consistently during design and outreach.
After discussion, a motion to adopt the resolution was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Jamie read the outcome as 6–1, with Councilwoman Bratner recorded in opposition. The resolution names the park on Discovery Park Boulevard “Jason Couts Park” and the one on El Paso Boulevard “Owens Family Park.”
Council members said they expect continued public outreach as projects advance so residents become familiar with the park names and so staff can incorporate the names into design plans.
