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Council to explore renaming Willamette Park to reflect river confluence, members say
Summary
Council President Baumgartner proposed opening a public discussion about renaming Willamette Park to acknowledge the confluence of the Willamette and Tualatin rivers and reduce confusion with other parks of the same name; staff said the parks-board and public involvement process would be required under city policy.
Council President Baumgartner proposed initiating a community conversation about the feasibility of renaming Willamette Park to reflect that it sits at the confluence of the Willamette and Tualatin rivers. "There is an opportunity for a discussion with council and our community and the city staff about their feasibility of renaming Willamette Park," she said, noting informal positive feedback but emphasizing the need to follow the parks naming/renaming policy.
City staff explained the formal process: a proposal typically goes to the parks advisory board, includes public involvement and neighborhood outreach, and the parks board would make a recommendation to council. Staff also flagged a policy preference to avoid names similar to existing parks to minimize confusion. Councilors asked questions about process, maps and potential public costs for signage and mapping updates. The council directed staff to brief the parks board and return with options for public engagement.
