Hilliard residents demand park naming after Timothy Ward during city council meeting

In the heart of Hilliard's city hall, a palpable tension filled the air as residents gathered for the City Council meeting on March 24, 2025. The evening unfolded with a mix of routine updates and impassioned public comments, highlighting the ongoing struggle between the council and its constituents over community representation and engagement.

Councilmember Peggy Hale opened the meeting with a brief report on the Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission, sharing excitement about the upcoming grand opening of the athletic complex. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when Ellie Ward, a resident from West Jefferson, took to the podium. Her heartfelt plea centered on a deeply personal issue: the naming of a park in honor of her late father, Timothy A. Ward.

Ward's emotional testimony resonated with many in attendance as she expressed frustration over the council's perceived lack of responsiveness to citizen concerns. "Why did you run for city council if it was to make Hilliard a better place? Have you done that?" she challenged, urging council members to listen more closely to the voices of their constituents. Her request to rename Hilliard East Park after her father had been met with bureaucratic hurdles, leading to a sense of disillusionment.

The council's response revealed a complex web of discussions and decisions regarding park naming conventions and funding for improvements. Members debated the merits of naming the park after Ward's father versus other options, with some council members expressing sympathy for her plight. Yet, the conversation also highlighted a disconnect between the council's intentions and the community's desires.

As the meeting progressed, another resident, Tina Ward, echoed Ellie’s sentiments, criticizing the council for prioritizing development interests over the needs of local citizens. "You just do what you want and don't give any consideration to the citizens," she asserted, calling for a shift in how the council engages with the community.

The council members found themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the implications of their decisions on public trust and community relations. The discussion surrounding the park naming not only underscored the emotional weight of personal legacies but also illuminated broader issues of governance and accountability in Hilliard.

As the meeting drew to a close, it was clear that the council's future actions would be closely scrutinized by residents like Ellie Ward, who vowed to remain a vocal advocate for her community. The evening served as a reminder of the vital role local government plays in shaping the lives of its citizens and the importance of fostering genuine dialogue between elected officials and the people they serve.