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Parks and Recreation Commission forwards plan to rename 7th Street Park for longtime recreation leader
Summary
After multiple public speakers praised his decades of work building local recreation programs, the Yucaipa Parks and Recreation Commission voted to forward a recommendation to the City Council to rename 7th Street Park in honor of a longtime community recreation leader called "George" in the staff report (the transcript contains variant spellings). Staff will research signage costs and historical records before the council submittal.
The Yucaipa Parks and Recreation Commission voted to forward to the City Council a recommendation to rename 7th Street Park in honor of a long‑time local recreation leader identified in the staff report as "George".
Megan, the commission's administrative assistant, opened the item and noted the city facility‑naming policy and that the mayor requested commission review of the proposal. The recommendation before the commission was to review the proposal and forward a recommendation to the City Council for final consideration.
Multiple public commenters urged the commission to approve the renaming. Jim Holden said George "was instrumental in developing so many things for this valley," including organizing youth leagues and helping establish the 7th Street pool. Paul Keyhold, who said he worked for the park district in the early 1970s, told the commission George led the initiative to finance the pool and helped build the early park system. Red Simmons recalled working summers with George and other local leaders and described him as a tireless advocate for recreation. Chris Venable, a resident, also urged the dedication after reviewing historical materials at a local historical center.
Commissioners asked staff to document the park's acquisition history and to estimate the fiscal impact of renaming — specifically the cost for new signage. Megan said no cost estimate has yet been completed but staff will research signage costs and include additional historical information when the matter goes to the City Council.
A motion to forward the renaming recommendation to the City Council with additional information attached was made, seconded and approved by the commission with no opposition; Commissioner Keller was absent. The commission recorded general support for the dedication but asked staff to provide clearer historical documentation and an estimated signage cost before council consideration.
The matter is scheduled for the City Council meeting on July 27 for final action.
