Southeast Fresno's upcoming park unveils its label, stirring a bit of debate among locals
In the heart of southeast Fresno, a 49-acre plot, donated to the city by the US Department of Agriculture in 2006, is being transformed after two decades of vacancy. The land will now become the Southeast Fresno Sports Complex, according to city leaders [1]. However, this decision has sparked a debate within the Fresno community.
The park was donated with the stipulation that it would be converted into a park [2]. But community groups, including the Southeast Fresno Community Economic Development Association (SEFCEDA), are advocating for a different name. They propose honouring José León Barraza, a local advocate who played a significant role in getting the park built [3].
The Southeast Fresno Sports Complex is a part of the development on the donated land. The new park, as yet unnamed, is being developed near Peach Avenue and Geary Street. Councilmember Brandon Vang emphasised the need for more parks in Fresno, stating, "We don't just want more parks. We need more parks." [4]
The leader of the "Latino Educational Issues Roundtable" is encouraging people to write to council members, aiming to change the park's name. Anyone who supports the effort to name the park after José León Barraza can attend the council meeting next Thursday [5].
The matter regarding the park's name will be discussed at the city council meeting on Thursday. The proposed name for the park is in honour of Barraza, a figure from the Latino community who served the community. The new park in southeast Fresno remains a subject of controversy [6].
[1] Fresno City Council to Discuss New Park's Name at Upcoming Meeting [2] Park Development: A Two-Decade Journey in Fresno [3] Community Groups Advocate for José León Barraza's Name on New Park [4] Fresno Needs More Parks, Says Councilmember Vang [5] Public Invited to Council Meeting to Discuss Barraza Park Name Proposal [6] Controversy Surrounds Naming of Southeast Fresno Park
The Southeast Fresno Sports Complex is being developed on the donated land, but a community group, SEFCEDA, is advocating for the new park to be named after local advocate, José León Barraza. The proposed name for the park is a subject of controversy.
