Board discusses renaming of Matthews Molinire Playground, plans youth‑centered selection process

Committee members discussed a community‑driven proposal to consider renaming Matthews Molinire's Playground. Supporters of renaming said the historical namesake is controversial and that renaming could be an opportunity for youth to research and propose alternative honorees. The group discussed reaching out to local schools — including the Collegiate Institute of Math and Science and other district schools — to run student research projects and solicit candidate names.

Board members said the parks department has indicated openness to considering renaming requests but that the formal procedure (including whether the parks committee or full board must act) remains unclear; members agreed to develop selection criteria and to return with more details at the next meeting. No formal vote was taken.