Tucson’s Christopher Columbus Park has been renamed Danny Lopez Park in commemoration of the Indigenous leader who died in 2008.
Azul Navarrete-Valera spearheaded the renaming effort five years ago but it was paused by COVID-19.
A graduate of the University of Arizona, Navarrete-Valera was also co-president of the Tucson Native Youth Council.
She submitted a letter to the City Council in September last year calling for renaming of the park.
“By honoring his legacy, we not only celebrate a local hero but recognize the importance of cultural preservation and community leadership,” Navarrete-Valera said at the council meeting Wednesday.
The Tucson Parks & Recreation Commission sent its recommendation in support, and proponents collected signatures of support from the community, including from Mayor Regina Romero. The City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve the renaming.
Romero said Lopez is a respected elder and should be honored for “sharing the beautiful history of who the Tohono O’odham people are.”
The Tucson city council voted last week to approve the renaming of Christopher Columbus Park to Danny Lopez Park in commemoration of the indigenous leader who died in 2008. Lopez, a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, taught at Indian Oasis School and Tohono O’odham Community College.
Lopez was remembered as a storyteller who taught his students Tohono O’odham culture and traditions. He taught at Indian Oasis School and Tohono O’odham Community College, while remaining a spiritual leader in his community.
Navarrete-Valera said, in her letter last year, that Lopez “embodies the values of inclusivity and empowerment that should define our public spaces.”
The Tucson Parks & Recreation Commission received hundreds of letters in support of the change.
But Tucsonans who submitted letters against the renaming questioned the cost of the project. Some opposed the “removal of history” by erasing Columbus, and a few suggested using a completely different space to honor Lopez.
Council member Lane Santa Cruz said the current name of the park has been a point of conflict because of Columbus’ violence and disruption towards Indigenous communities.
“It represents a significant step toward acknowledging and respecting the rich Indigenous heritage of this region,” Santa Cruz said, referring to the renaming.
Tucson’s Ward 1 and Ward 3 budgets will cover the $10,000 cost to rename the park.
The park will also undergo physical changes as planned under Proposition 407 for improving city park amenities. The 2018 city bond will pay for future parking lot repair, accessible sidewalks, an additional restroom and a playground. About $7 million was earmarked in the bond package for the improvements.
“Renaming the park after Danny Lopez pays homage to the original stewards of this land and their enduring contributions to our community,” Santa Cruz said. “It aligns with our city’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for all cultures.”
Park signage and online references will be updated over the next few months to reflect the new name, the city says.
