The city of Tucson is seeking public input on renaming Christopher Columbus Park, 4300 N. Silverbell Rd., to Danny Lopez Park in honor of the Tohono O’odham educator.
“The current name, Christopher Columbus Park, glorifies a man whose actions perpetuated the mass genocide, abuse, and oppression of Indigenous peoples,” reads a letter submitted to Parks and Recreation Director Lara Hamway from Azul Naverrete-Valera and Jolene Jose, the former co-president and the co-founder of the Tucson Native Youth Council, as well as Florence and Monica Lopez, the wife and daughter of Danny Lopez, and community members Antonio Ramirez and Chucho Ruiz.
Renaming the park to honor Lopez, who died in 2008, is “a step toward reconciliation and healing,” the proposal states.
Lopez was born in the Tohono O’odham village of Ge Oidag in Sells, Ariz., and taught O’odham language and culture in several schools throughout Pima County for more than 30 years.
His dedication to preserving Tohono O’odham culture “embodies the values of inclusivity and empowerment that should define our public spaces in Tucson,” the letter adds.
The proposal has the support of Ward 1 Councilmember Lane Santa Cruz and Ward 3 Councilmember Kevin Dahl, whose offices have agreed to split the $10,000 renaming cost, which would include changing signs at the park.
“I think we both agree it’s time for it not to be called Columbus Park,” said Dahl, whose ward includes the park.
Dahl said he knew Lopez from his days at the nonprofit Native Seeds/SEARCH — Dahl was executive director and Lopez was a supporter, who often delivered blessings at events — and from the radio show “Desert Voices” on KUAT, where Lopez gave news in the O’odham language.
“They’ve come up with, I think, an excellent name for the park,” Dahl said.
Originally called Silverbell Park, it was renamed in 1990 on the recommendation of the Tucson chapter of the Knights of Columbus to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the “New World.”
The grounds feature a baseball field, dog park, playground, picnic area, Silverbell Lake, used for boating and fishing, and Archer Lake, used for radio-controlled model boats.
All proposals for renaming city assets must undergo a 45-day period of input from the public. The City Council would have to vote to approve a name change.
The window for comments on the proposed new name opened Friday — three days before Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 12 — and will close on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.
Comments may be mailed to: Tucson Parks and Recreation Attn: Public Comment – Christopher Columbus Park Renaming, 900 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716.