DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – Dallas is changing the name of Robert E. Lee park to Oak Lawn Park for now.
The City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Board voted unanimously on Friday to temporarily revert to the park’s previous name until the city decides on a permanent name.
Board President Robert Abtahi said the plan to change the name shouldn’t divide the city.
“I don’t think it needs to be a north, south, black, white, brown thing. I think we need to listen to citizens of Dallas and listen to what our community wants. When I say our community, I mean the whole city,” he said.
Abtahi said 81 years ago, the Dallas city council members had a different mindset and that maybe 81 years from today the city’s elected officials might think differently of the current administration’s actions.
He said he believes that parks should welcome people regardless of their race or background.
“I think that our parks more than any other part of our city are supposed to be places of inclusiveness,” said Abtahi.
Regarding the sign on the park, Director Willis Winters said the cheaper option is to cover it up rather than remove it.
“I think a more cost effective method is to devise a simple system to attach a cover,” he said.
Board member Yolanda Adams said she’s already started looking at ideas for the permanent name.
“Someone sent an email about naming it after an African American. So when that time comes, we’re going to see how well you all value the African American community,” she said.
The city removed the Robert E. Lee statue from the park last week and have recommended giving it to a museum.
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