City of Tucson renames Christopher Columbus Park for Tohono Oodham elder [Video]

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The city of Tucson has approved a name change for Christopher Columbus Park.

During a meeting on Wednesday, the city council changed it to Danny Lopez Park to honor a respected teacher and elder in the Tohono O’odham community.

The park was called Silverbell Lake Park until 1990 when it was changed to Christopher Columbus Park.

Lopez worked at the Sells Indian Oasis Primary School, teaching young kids more about their native language and culture.

His extended effort to preserve native traditions was why the Tucson Native Youth Council worked to get the name changed.

In the coming months, Tucson Parks and Recreation will update park signage and online references to reflect the change.

It will cost around $10,000 to change the signs and will be paid for by council members Kevin Dahl and Lane Santa Cruz.

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