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Columbus Park Renaming ⁣Debate ⁣Draws Community Input in Binghamton

Binghamton, ⁣NY – A proposal​ to rename Columbus Park in‌ Binghamton‌ sparked​ discussion adn divided opinions at a recent⁤ community meeting, as residents weighed the park’s historical importance against calls for a name reflecting a more inclusive past. The park, with a complex history of name changes, is currently⁤ the subject of⁢ a city survey seeking public feedback.

Columbus Park has undergone several transformations as ‍its inception. Originally established as Sherman Place Park, it became Carroll‌ Street Playground in⁣ 1928, dedicated ‌to the children of⁣ Binghamton’s 7th and 8th wards, and added new playground equipment and a wave pool. Following resident ​relocation during a 1955 ⁤expansion,‍ the park reopened ‍in 1959 as Columbus Park.

The current debate centers on whether the park’s name ⁢should be changed to better represent the diverse community it ⁤serves. At the meeting, residents voiced passionate arguments on both sides of the issue.

Brenda Brown, a Binghamton-area resident who moved to the area for IBM employment, emphasized the importance of preserving the park’s⁢ connection to local history. “I treasure this community, I treasure⁢ my relationship with Trinity ​AME Zion as if I wouldn’t have had it, where would my kids be ​today? They all have that ⁤memory of Trinity and Columbus Park,”​ she⁢ said. ⁤”I want to do⁢ everything that I can to keep that memory active and alive.”

Former Binghamton Mayor Richard Bucci argued against renaming‌ the park, highlighting the significance of Christopher Columbus ‍to Italian Americans.”As the son ⁢and grandson of ⁢Italian immigrants,I learned firsthand of their trials and tribulation,”⁣ Bucci‍ said. “During these struggles, Christopher Columbus became a symbol of pride and achievement for ⁢Italian Americans.”

other residents suggested choice solutions. Craig McFarland proposed the possibility of a dual naming system, acknowledging the potential to honor multiple community figures. “There’s a lot of folks in this ⁢community that could⁢ actually be ⁤blessed with the name,” he stated.

The city is currently collecting‍ public input through an online survey available at https://binghamton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_29OvwFiWc6dyv0a?Q_CHL=qr. Residents ​are⁣ encouraged to participate in the process.