Amarillo park board unanimously recommends renaming East Park to Gabriel Chavez Park

The Amarillo Park and Recreation Board voted unanimously on Sept. 9, 2026, to recommend that the city council rename East Park to Gabriel Chavez Park after a public hearing that drew family members and neighborhood leaders in support. Board members said the rename would honor a local service member and provide a visible role model for neighborhood youth.

Speakers at the hearing included family members who described Chavez's military service and long-standing ties to the neighborhood. Rudy Perciano, who said Gabriel Chavez was his uncle, told the board, "Gabriel Chavez gave everything for this country, earned the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously." Teresa Kennedy, president of the Barrio Neighborhood Planning Committee, spoke for her board and community in support, saying the change would recognize "a Hispanic hero" from the neighborhood. Christa Chavez Glasgow said the family hopes a sign will be installed in time for her son to take graduation photos at the park if the rename is approved.

During the board discussion, a member who works with the war memorial described a display that includes Chavez's Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross and said the renaming would be a symbolic way to honor the sacrifice. The chair said staff confirmed the paperwork was in order and that the board's role is to recommend for or against the change; the city council will make the final decision.

The motion to recommend the renaming was moved and seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote; the board did not record specific numerical tallies in the meeting transcript. A staff member said the board will coordinate with park maintenance on signage and encouraged residents to sign up and speak when the item reaches the city council.