PYATIGORSKY PARK

PYATIGORSKY PARK. In 2005 Pyatigorsky Park was completed. Located at the intersection of Kerper Boulevard and 16th Street, the park was named in honor of Dubuque’s sister city in the Russian Federation.

The park was designed by a Russian landscape artist; the site serves as a trail head for Heritage and Jaycee trails.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the sister city relationship was ended. (1)

The process of renaming the park led to controversy. On May 2, 2023 'Pyatigorsk Park' was renamed to 'Sister City International Park' in Dubuque. This was despite a lengthy procedure which had been followed by the Park and Recreation Commission. Suggested names had been received by the Commission from members of the community. This list was shortened to a number from which a finalist was chosen. The Commission eventually decided upon the name "Jaycee Park." (2)

The task of renaming the park led to a review of policies after the Dubuque’s City Council rejected the recommendation of its Parks and Recreation Commission. In a letter to the city council, the chair of the Park and Recreation Commission expressed confusion at the decision “even though we spent many commission meeting hours, listened to many passionate people and careful consideration”.

The letter requested a review of the guidelines and process for future park naming. (3)

See: PYATIGORSK

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Source:

1. Becker, Stacey. "Investing in Recreation and Leisure," Telegraph Herald, July 5, 2015, p. 5A

2. "'Pyatigorsk Park' Renamed to 'Sister City International Park' in Dubuque," KWWL May 2, 2023 Online: https://www.kwwl.com/news/dubuque/pyatigorsk-park-renamed-to-sister-city-international-park-in-dubuque/article_6d517d78-e922-11ed-a561-0357601c9d47.html

3. Carros, Adam, "Dubuque City Council to Review Park Naming Policy After Controversy," KCRG September 4, 2023, Online: https://www.kcrg.com/2023/09/04/dubuque-city-council-review-park-naming-policy-after-controversy/?outputType=amp