The City of Eugene is asking the public to weigh in on a proposal to change the name of a community center and park. The Council gave direction to schedule a Public Hearing on these topics at its Wednesday, April 11 meeting. The proposed name changes are as follows:
- Rename Westmoreland Community Center, located at 1545 W. 22nd Ave, to Dr. Edwin Coleman, Sr. Community Center.
- Name the unnamed park located near the corner of Royal Avenue and Elizabeth Street to Andrea Ortiz Park.
Proposal Feedback
Public Hearings on both naming proposals will be held at the Eugene City Council meeting on April 23, 2018, 7:30 p.m. (Sign-ups will begin at 7:00 p.m.).
Written testimony may also be submitted via email or hard copy (125 E. 8th Avenue, 2nd floor, Eugene, OR 97401). All written testimony should be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on April 23.
Background
Dr. Edwin Coleman, Sr.
Dr. Edwin Coleman passed away in January 2017. Dr. Coleman was an educator, musician, community activist, and family man. He was a leader in Eugene advocating for human and civil rights for more than 50 years. He was a tenured member of the faculty of the University of Oregon’s English Department where he taught and mentored students and fellow colleagues. He served as a Track and Field official and was a staunch Duck fan. His heavy and impactful involvement in the issues affecting the local African American community led to numerous positive changes in the condition of local race relations. He was an instrumental force in the NAACP, the Lane County Democratic Party, the naming of MLK, Jr. Blvd. and the dedication of Rosa Parks Plaza in downtown Eugene. Dr. Coleman’s imprint on the thousands of lives he touched in Eugene is immeasurable. This honor reflects one of the places in Eugene he loved most - the Westmoreland Park and Community Center where he raised his family and spent countless hours volunteering his time and resources to the betterment of all Eugene.
Andrea Ortiz
Andrea Ortiz passed away on January 16, 2017. Andrea Ortiz was a local Latina leader, equity advocate, friend, colleague and former City Council member. She worked for 28 years at PeaceHealth while serving on the Bethel School Board of Directors, Eugene Human Rights Commission, Eugene Police Commission, PeaceHealth OR Diversity Team, Bethel Weed & Seed Steering Committee, Trainsong Neighbors, Children First, as well as serving two terms as the City Councilor for Ward 7. She was the first Latina to serve on the Eugene City Council and advocated passionately for Eugene’s working class and marginalized communities. Andrea Ortiz founded the We Are Bethel community celebration held at Petersen Barn Community Center annually, now in its 15th year.