Veterans Park in Appleton may soon be renamed Memorial Bridge Park.
The city's Parks and Recreation Committee voted unanimously Monday to advance that name. Supporters said the park sits next to a bridge over the Fox River of the same name, and that the name also returns a historical title to the park.
The renaming is meant to distinguish Veterans Park from Veterans Memorial Park. That second park, formerly Appleton Memorial Park, was renamed last summer as part of an effort to create a dedicated space honoring veterans.
The city received 171 name suggestions and narrowed the list to 68 that met the criteria, before staff from the Mayor's Office, Parks and Recreation and Community Development selected nine finalists. Other finalists included Fox River Park, Freedom Park, Riverside Park and Heroes Park.
Not everyone was convinced the new name solves the confusion. Council Member Sheri Hartzheim said some residents worried a Memorial Bridge name could create additional confusion and move away from the original purpose. The City Council will make the final decision at its Nov. 4 meeting, where residents will have a final chance to comment.
