Shafter council follows community input, settles on 'General Shafter Park' for new Fresno Avenue park

The Shafter City Council reached consensus to move forward with naming the city’s new Fresno Avenue community park "General Shafter Park" after staff reported more than 500 naming suggestions gathered from adults and children.

Rachel, the staff presenter, told the council the outreach produced "over 450" submissions from adults and more than 50 from children, with the adults favoring variations on "General/General's" and children favoring names containing "Shafter." She said the themes that emerged were local pride, heritage and recreation and that the adult responses frequently referenced honoring General William Rufus Shafter.

Council members debated whether to put a stronger historical emphasis (nominating local family names such as Wilson or Kirschman) or to heed the community preference. One council member said honoring local farm families has historical merit, while others noted the outreach showed clear public support for a name that reflects both heritage and community identity.

After a brief poll of members, the Mayor (presiding) said there was a consensus for "General Shafter Park" and staff were directed to return the name in a formal resolution for adoption. "We will bring that back on resolution," the Clerk noted.

Staff said the final park design will include features residents requested during outreach, including two splash pads, two skate areas and pickleball courts; staff also recommended continued outreach to involve children in any final naming vote or outreach round if the council preferred a second community poll.

The council’s decision was procedural; a formal naming resolution will return to the council for adoption and administrative implementation.