City announces new names for parks

Mansfield invited residents to submit at-large nominations for the multiple parks projects in progress or recently completed. This was the first time such an open call was held in Mansfield, rather than on a singular project basis, but extended community input was crucial to ensure our parks continue reflecting the people and moments most important to residents.

In accordance with city policy, submissions were reviewed by the Mansfield Parks Facilities Development Corp. naming committee, whose recommendations were passed along for City Council approval. Names not selected were saved for future consideration.

2025 Park Name Changes include

Moody Park (formerly McClendon Park East) recognizes McClendon Moody and his uncle, civil rights leader Thomas Mayfield (T.M.) Moody.

Robert and Ann Smith Park (formerly James McKnight Park West) recognizes longtime residents and active city volunteers serving on multiple committees, boards and service efforts.

Wendy Collini Park (formerly Gertie Barrett Park) recognizes longtime MPFDC member and president and active community volunteer Wendy Collini.

Steve Baker Park (formerly Birdsong Park) recognizes the president of first park committee and inaugural MPFDC board of directors, crucial to early growth.

Roman Jones Park (Watson Branch Pocket Park) recognizes longtime Mansfield Police Department park and trail system patrol officer Roman Jones.

McCaslin Family Park (M3 Ranch Pond) recognizes active community leaders and residential developers.

Cathy Anderson Park (undeveloped property formerly known as West Community Park) recognizes the city's first Director of Parks and Recreation; instrumental in launching first land acquisitions and park development.

With the renaming of parks with a directional name, that designation is no longer required on the matching park. Thus, James McKnight Park East and McClendon Park West dropped the east/west.

Similarly, the term "soccer complex" typically refers to a large facility with multiple fields and restrooms. Philip Thompson and Hardy Allmon were renamed to simply park, a more accurate representation of the property and its use.

This summer, the city accepted dedication of a pocket park in M3 Ranch, which will be called Wrangler Park, after the adjacent street.

Finally, the redevelopment of Katherine Rose Memorial Park includes the former Hardy Allmon soccer fields, which will serve as sport courts and fitness space as an extension of Rose Park. Replacement soccer fields built nearby will retain the Hardy Allmon Park name.

Going forward, all city documents and listings will use the updated park names in all references, as they are the correct and current designation since adoption by City Council in 2025.