Eureka Considering Renaming 20/30 Park to Da’ Yas “Where the Cypress Are” Park

20/30 Park plans [Image from the City of Eureka]

20/30 Park located in the City of Eureka was established in 1952, and made possible with assistance by the 20/30 Club, a service club comprised of 20 to 39 year-old men, no longer active in our region. Since then, the City of Eureka was awarded a $6.3 million grant from California State Parks to completely renovate 20/30 Park. An RFPQ was issued and Melton Design Group (MDG) was the winning design firm. Community input, diversity, accessibility and inclusivity have been integral parts throughout the park improvement project. Eureka residents shared their vision and desired features for the park at outreach events, both in person and by Zoom, and online surveys. Radio ads, social media, City eNewsletters, posted flyers and direct mailers to the neighborhood were all used to solicit feedback.

MDG and City staff worked to incorporate this information into the final design with construction scheduled to begin in early 2023.

The revitalized park will include an Egret and watershed themed all-inclusive playground, multi-use sports courts, new parking and restrooms, art installations, fitness equipment, accessible pathways, grass play area for volleyball and soccer, new plazas (public gathering places) on California Street and Pine Street as well as upgrades to Jacob Haney Ball Field.

From the beginning of the project and throughout the design process, recognizing and honoring the 20/30 Club and their contributions has been a high priority. This effort will be reflected by dedicating a 20/30 Plaza within the park that includes plaques and interpretative signage celebrating our local Eureka history.

City staff and MDG partnered with the Wiyot Tribe to include interpretive, cultural and educational elements in the park design such as including native plantings used in the practice of cultural activities and signage containing Soulatluk (Wiyot language) in addition to English.

With the park slated to receive major improvements, new signage will be needed. This overall process provided an opportunity to consult the community about the park’s identity. The first renaming survey shared information about the origin of the park and its current name. Of the 249 responses received, over 75% supported renaming the park. Survey respondents were also provided the opportunity to suggest possible names. The majority of the respondents expressed a desire for the park to have a Wiyot name. The top three names were identified and in consultation with the Wiyot Tribe, the best possible translations were provided along with audio files to hear the name pronunciation: (1) Wiqudi’ Park – “Pine” Park (after Pine Street which borders the park), (2) Da’ Meluqhiyan Park – “Where the

Egrets Are” Park (after the Egret play structure), and (3) Da’ Yas Park – “Where the Cypress Are” Park

(after the cypress trees found in the park).

The final renaming decision was placed in the hands of Eureka’s residents. An article published in local newspapers identified the three name options and provided a link so readers could easily vote for their favorite. Over 830 community members took part in the renaming survey and Da’ Yas Park – “Where the Cypress Are” Park received the most support at 326 votes or 39.09% of responses.

The proposed new name was presented to the Open Space, Parks and Recreation Commission at their October 27, 2022 meeting and was unanimously approved. The renaming proposal was sent to the Planning Commission for consideration at the November 14, 2022 meeting where it was also unanimously approved.

Based on the survey outcomes and community feedback received, City staff supports the community’s recommendation of the name Da’ Yas Park – “Where the Cypress Are” Park as an appropriate name for the reimagined and revitalized park. By having the park name in Soulatluk (Wiyot language), it assists the tribe with their language revitalization efforts, recognizes and provides representation of the Wiyot community, their elders both past and present as well as future generations.

This name will be considered for final approval at the Eureka City Council meeting on December 6^th at 6pm. You may participate in person at 531 K St. Eureka or online via zoom. The agenda and zoom link will be available here: https://www.eurekaca.gov/depts/city_clerk/agenda_information/council/meetingvideos.asp