Santa Ana Enlists Community to Name 2 New Parks

Centennial Park in Santa Ana, Calif., in Aug. 2022. (Google Maps/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

Officials in Santa Ana, California, are calling on locals to name two new parks coming to the city.

The deadline for submissions is July 14.

Residents can submit their name ideas online. Submissions will be reviewed at the next Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission July 27.

One of the parks being built and in need of a name is at Standard and McFadden avenues, near Century High School. The park, which is set to open in October, will have a playground, skateboarding area, basketball court, and grassy area for picnicking and lounging.

Residents who are unsure of what names to submit but wish to give input can vote for any one of the pre-submitted options available: Cornerstone Park, Hibiscus Park, or Gerardo Mouet Park.

Street view of Standard and McFadden avenues in Sept. 2022. (Google Maps/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

The latter served as one of Santa Ana’s parks and recreation directors for nearly 15 years, and died in March from cancer.

The second park in need of a name will be a separate dog play space located in the city’s Centennial Park, where close to five acres will be allocated. Furry friends will also have a water play area to enjoy, and a separate wash station.

The new space will also include a walking path, bench seats, and picnic tables for pet owners to relax.

The dog park has been identified as a priority, according to the city’s website, and is still in its early phase of development as officials seek out additional sources for funding.

Pre-selected naming options for the dog park are Bark Park at Centennial Park, Happy Tails, Perros al Lado del Rio en Centennial Park, Tail Trails at Centennial Park, and Puskas Memorial Dog Park—in honor of a former police canine at the Santa Ana Police Department.

The Santa Ana Police Department on March 12, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Residents wanting to suggest their own names for the park are encouraged to abide by the city’s guidelines, which include the following:

• Names that reference distinct geographic, environmental, or development features in the immediate area
• Those referencing the history of the park’s site or immediate area
• Name of persons or families who made large donations to the park projects
• Names of those who made significant positive contributions in the past to the city including former mayors, councilors, board or commission members, officers, or employees of the city