A group of Ames residents have been working for months to rename the skate park in Ames in honor of Georgie Tsushima. Georgie was an Ames resident who graduated from Ames High School, opened up a small business, attended Iowa State, moved away from Ames to pursue his skateboarding dream, moved back to Ames after an injury and ultimately opened another small business. The business was a place of support for those interested in the sport and artistry of skateboarding.

This group of friends, families and community members requested the naming of the park in August, but their request was put “on hold” as a naming policy was developed by the Ames Park and Recreation Commission. A petition with more than 2,000 signatures favoring the park’s naming was presented to commission members at the March commission.

I encourage Ames City Council members to move ahead with naming the skate park after Georgie, as requested months ago; or in the very least, eliminate the provision in the draft naming policy regarding a three-year waiting period for an outstanding individual to be considered.