During the Denison Parks & Recreation Commission meeting on December 5, 2024, a significant discussion centered around the proposed renaming of Mini Park to Old Town Park. This initiative aims to honor the historical significance of the area and the couple who originally donated the land for the park in the 1970s.

The proposal was introduced by a member of the community who highlighted the importance of recognizing local neighborhoods by their historical names. The area known as Old Town has a rich history, and the park, which currently lacks a distinct name, is situated within this neighborhood. The original donors, the Johnsons, had intended for the park to be named Johnson Park, but this name was never officially adopted, leading to the current informal designation of Mini Park.

Community members expressed support for the name change, emphasizing the desire to create a sense of ownership and identity for the neighborhood. The proposal includes plans for a plaque to honor the Johnsons and their contribution, with funding for the signage and plaque coming from the neighborhood rather than the city’s parks budget.

The commission unanimously approved the motion to rename Mini Park to Old Town Park, reflecting the community's commitment to preserving local history and fostering neighborhood pride. The discussion also included a contingency plan to revert the name if the community later expressed dissatisfaction with the change.

In addition to the name change, the meeting featured updates on current and upcoming recreation programs and events, presented by Recreation Manager Andrew Means. These updates are part of ongoing efforts to enhance community engagement and participation in local activities.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of community involvement in local governance and the value of recognizing historical contributions to enhance the identity of Denison's neighborhoods. The commission's decision to rename the park is a step towards fostering a deeper connection between residents and their local history.