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Parks board tables renaming of Sears Recreation Center to gather more research and public input
Summary
After hearing five nominations and several public comments urging different names, the Parks Board voted to table the decision on renaming the Sears Recreation Center and asked staff to gather more history, contact the Sears family, and solicit community feedback ahead of the August meeting.
Leslie presented the board with background on prior naming decisions and the board's naming policy, including a 50-year naming term and the requirement for 50 resident signatures on an application. She said five applications were received but one did not meet the in-city signature requirement.
Several members of the public urged the board to consider particular nominees. Mildred Deckard spoke on behalf of her husband Kenneth Deckard's long service with Community Action Program; Michael Decker and family members described his local history. Samuel Garcia urged the board to consider Aurelia Campos and cited her involvement with the Sears revitalization committee; Anthony Williams spoke in support of a nominee known as Billy, outlining decades of neighborhood work.
Board members discussed reaching out to the Sears family and running a public feedback campaign. Jack moved to table the naming until the next parks board meeting to solicit feedback; the motion passed unanimously. Leslie said staff will compile research and public responses for the board to review at the August meeting.
