Parks board sets June 30 deadline for renaming Sears Recreation Center

The Abilene Parks and Recreation Board voted to establish June 30 as the deadline to accept nominations for renaming the Arthur Sears Recreation Center, the board chair announced after a motion from Risha Sanders passed by voice vote.

Leslie Andrews, director of parks and recreation, told the board that the city's naming policy requires an application supported by at least 50 City of Abilene residents and two public hearings before a name can be adopted. "All names considered by the Parks and Recreation Board should be significant, appropriate, considerate, and acceptable to citizens of Abilene," Andrews said as she reviewed the policy's requirements, including the 50-year expectation for selected names.

Board members debated process options — staff presentation, a board-led review, or formation of a small task force — and discussed timing given the board's monthly meeting schedule. Andrews recommended allowing time for staff to verify petition signatures and suggested accepting applications through June 30 so qualifying submissions can be presented at the July meeting, with a final hearing anticipated the following month. The motion to set the June 30 deadline was made by Risha Sanders and was seconded; the chair called for a voice vote and the motion carried. Staff will post instructions and required forms on the city's parks web pages and place park signage as required by policy.