Clifton renames Playground Park to Harriet and William Harris Park

The Clifton Town Council voted unanimously on Nov. 4 to rename the town playground the Harriet and William Harris Park, honoring early Black landowners whose family helped form the village of Clifton after the Civil War.

Mayor William Hollaway moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Councilmember Steve Effros; the motion passed by roll-call (6-0). The meeting materials and attached historical write-up note that Harriet and William Harris were allotted land from the Beckwith estate after emancipation and that they and their descendants played a role in establishing the village and community institutions. The town plans to erect two informational markers that will list names and detail contributions of early Black residents in recognition of that history.

Why it matters: the renaming recognizes local Black history and connects a public space to the town’s historical record. The decision follows background research and a community recommendation; the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Committee materials in the meeting packet provide context for the resolution.

Next steps: staff will place the resolution on the town record, schedule placement of informational markers, and coordinate any required signage or dedication ceremonies.

The Council handled the item during unfinished business of the electronic meeting; no public speakers were recorded for the item.