Watch CBS News

Jefferson Davis Park In Fort Worth To Be Renamed

FORT WORTH (AP) — Jefferson Davis Park in Fort Worth is set to get a new name.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the City Council voted 6-3 Tuesday night to rename it Parque Unidad/Unity Park. The new name was recommended by the park board. The 8.6-acre park is in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood.

Jefferson Davis Park was named in 1923 after the president of the Confederacy.

jefferson davis park
Jefferson Davis Park in Fort Worth was established and named in 1923. (photo credit: CBSDFW.COM)

The park board recommended Unity Park after an online petition signed by thousands seeking a change was brought to its attention. The petition was started amid a national movement to remove Confederate statues and monuments.

Councilwoman Ann Zadeh, whose district the park is located in, said the neighborhood is ready to have a park reflect where they live.

Richard Zavala, the city's park and recreation director, says the park will be changed within 30 days.

(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.