Arts and Historical Preservation Commission votes to oppose renaming 2nd Lake Park

The Arts and Historical Preservation Commission voted to recommend against renaming 2nd Lake Park after an extended public comment period in which several residents, historians and local organizations urged preserving the site’s existing name and history.

The vote came after a series of public comments emphasizing the importance of retaining local historical names and documenting places with plaques or monuments instead of removing or replacing names. ‘‘There’s not 1 single fact to support racism or discrimination by the Secums,’’ attorney Tim Prince told the commission, arguing the petition’s shorthand reference to a lawsuit did not justify stripping the family’s name from the park. Mark Westwood, a longtime resident and past local historical-group president, said removing the Secum name would be ‘‘a huge disservice’’ to descendants who have served the city.

Commissioners reviewed procedural requirements under the city’s naming policy and discussed next steps. Staff referenced Resolution 2023-134, the city policy on naming and renaming parks, and explained that this commission evaluates the nomination and forwards a recommendation to the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission, which will then decide what to recommend to City Council.

On the floor the commission moved that it does not recommend renaming 2nd Lake Park; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners instructed staff to include the number of public speakers, written historical notes submitted at the meeting, and any estimated costs associated with changing signs and materials when they forward the item to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Speakers during public comment proposed alternatives to wholesale renaming, such as adding monuments or naming the plunge at Perris Hill after local civil-rights advocates. Commissioners and staff agreed to assemble historical documentation, consider locations for plaques or monuments, and work with the Historical and Pioneer Society and community groups on a plan for preserving and displaying local history.

The Arts and Historical Preservation Commission’s action is a recommendation only; the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission will consider the nomination and issue a recommendation to the City Council, which holds final authority on park names.