SAFFORD — The City of Safford’s public outreach for names for the city’s two newest parks could result in an existing park being renamed.
At its next meeting, the Safford Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will discuss a proposal to change the name of La Tierra Park to Owens Park.
During an Oct. 30 open house to gather public input on names for the new parks — one at 8th Avenue and Discovery Park Boulevard, and the other at 14th Avenue and El Paso Boulevard — Randa Owens-McKinney proposed naming either of the parks Owens Park.
She pointed out that her great-grandfather served as Safford mayor from 1920-22, her grandfather founded Safford Builders Supply in 1938, and her father and uncle developed 16 subdivisions, creating 700 homes. The Owens family also donated multiple parcels of land to the city for public use.
La Tierra Park, at 8th Avenue and 23rd Street, opened to the public in 2020. It features playground equipment, basketball courts, armadas and picnic tables, and a Safford Library little library kiosk.
All naming recommendations by the Committee will be forwarded to the City Council for final action.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m., in the City Annex building. The meeting is open to the public.
