Board weighs renaming Squire Polk site to honor historic fishing cooperative; will consult descendants

Executive Director Thomas proposed changing the name of the Rowing and Sailing Center at Squire Polk Community Park to the Hilton Head Island Fishing Cooperative Park to recognize families who once owned and operated the site. Thomas said the earliest reference he found dates to 1966 and that restoring the fishing-cooperative name would honor the native island community.

"That recommendation to the larger town council is something that's long overdue," Thomas said, describing the name change as a move toward "reparative justice in the Gullah community." He asked for comments and many board members supported the idea while urging a shorter public-facing name for everyday use.

Heather Rath, who said she was chair of Parks and Recreation when the park was built in 2015, offered historical context and said she would provide a New York Times article from 1970 that references the fishing cooperative. "I have the original New York Times article from 1970 that I will give you, mister Vauxley," she said, urging outreach to families such as the late Ben Green, who led the fishing initiative for many years.

Board members recommended direct outreach to descendants of the cooperative and local stakeholders before sending a formal name recommendation to the town council. Thomas said staff will reach out to descendants, solicit feedback and bring back a proposed name package.

Ending: The board tabled a formal recommendation until staff completes outreach to descendants and returns with a package for consideration.