Neighborhood votes to change name in historic decision

In a recent government meeting, community members from the Forest Park neighborhood presented a compelling case for the approval of their name change from Cameron Park to Forest Park, a decision that has been in the works for over three years. The discussions highlighted a thorough and inclusive process that engaged a significant portion of the neighborhood's residents.

The initiative began in January 2021, following a name change by a nearby area, and was spearheaded by a dedicated committee that conducted a survey, educational forums, and a two-week voting period. Out of approximately 600 eligible residents, 441 participated, resulting in a vote of 240 in favor of the name change, representing 54.4% support. This high turnout of 74% underscored the community's engagement in the decision-making process.

Dan Parham, a facilitator of the renaming effort, emphasized that the process was guided by legal advice from the city of Raleigh, ensuring it was both democratic and transparent. He noted that the name change has been recognized by various government and mapping agencies, including the United States National Park Systems Historic Registry and major mapping companies like Google and Apple.

Community members of color voiced strong support for the name change, viewing it as a necessary step towards inclusivity and a reflection of their commitment to diversity. Honing Lau, representing neighbors of color, articulated that the renaming serves as a powerful symbol of hope and change, particularly for the children in the community. This sentiment was echoed by Elina Yuen, who expressed disappointment over the ongoing debate surrounding the name change, highlighting the need for the community to honor its past while embracing progress.

Despite the overwhelming support from the community, there were indications of opposition, with some residents questioning the process and expressing concerns about the implications of the name change. However, the majority of speakers at the meeting reinforced their commitment to the new name and the values it represents.

As the council prepares to vote on the name change, the community remains hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the decision will reflect the majority's will, solidifying Forest Park's identity as a neighborhood committed to inclusivity and progress.