Lincoln Park chosen as name of Quincy's newest park

3 months ago by Bryan Nichols

Board is also considering converting Westview's back nine holes to a par 3 course and driving range

Quincy’s newest park will be named after a well-known historical figure – Abraham Lincoln.

The Quincy Park Board decided in its monthly meeting Wednesday to name the 12 acre park along Quincy Bay after America’s 16th President, citing his impact on the city’s history.

However, Lincoln Park wasn’t the only name considered.

The Board considered several names including Bayview Park and William H. Klingner Park.

When the names were offered to the public over the last month, Klingner Park overwhelmingly received the most support.

Board member Tom Ernst initially offered Klingner Park for a vote at the meeting. However, it died due to lack of a second.

He advocated for naming the park after the longtime supporter of the Park District. He said he would rather change the name of Washington Park to Lincoln Park since that was where most of the local history with Lincoln was centered.

Board members objected to the idea due to what they said was Washington Park’s place in history and the confusion that a name change there could cause.

Ernst also cited the large amount of community support that the name “Klingner Park” had received and, because of his contributions to the park system, said the park should be named after Klingner.

Other board members balked at the idea. They said that 4 other parks, such as Mays Park, were named after longtime board members, not supporters. They also noted that some of the support for the name came from a social media campaign.

Lincoln Park was offered for a vote and passed with all members in favor except for Ernst.

The name will become official after a 60 day public comment period.

The board did consider naming the Community Center that will be located at the park after William H. Klingner.  They were in agreement on the idea, but won’t take an official vote until the comment period on naming the park is over.

The board will take final action at the May meeting.

 

The board also:

                -heard from Mary Ann Dye, the owner of River Skate. She reported that the ice skating facility, which just finished its first year in Clat Adams Park, had 5000 paid admissions during the season and plans to return next year. She said they plan to open November 1.

                -discussed changing the back nine holes of Westview Golf Course to a Par 3 and driving range. The move would cost approximately $456,000 and could bring in $75,000 a year in income. The board decided to hold a special meeting in May at the golf course as a public forum. Board President John Frankenhoff noted that any decision regarding a possible change at Westview wouldn’t be made hastily.