Commission votes unanimously to deny request to rename Barcelona Park

The Mission Viejo Community Services Commission on Nov. 19 voted unanimously to deny a request to rename Barcelona Park. The commission's ad hoc committee recommended rejecting the request, saying renaming a legacy park could set a precedent that would prompt many future requests.

"The recommendation from the ad hoc committee is to deny the request," said Mark Nix, the recreation representative who reported the committee's findings. Commissioner Thornton, a member of the ad hoc committee, added that the group had reviewed the park naming policy and ordinance and concluded renaming the park could lead to numerous comparable requests.

Commissioners discussed alternatives to renaming, including adding memorials or pilasters that would allow community participation in honoring veterans and fallen service members. Tom Moore, a Mission Viejo resident who spoke during public comment, said the community should explore different ways to honor the fallen rather than change long-standing park names: "There've got to be ways to honor the fallen... you can put a pilaster, you can put a pilaster on a wall," he said.

Chairperson Smith called for a motion to deny; Commissioner Conroy moved and Vice Chairperson McGill seconded. The chair announced the vote was unanimous to deny the renaming request and said the commission's recommendation will be forwarded to city council for their awareness and any next steps.

Next steps: The commission will transmit its recommendation to city council; staff indicated they would make council aware via memo or a formal referral.