A plan to ask the public to name a park being created from the partial closure of a highway has backfired, with suggestions including “This is stupid. Let’s not do it” and “Really stupid park”.
Nearly 4,300 entries were submitted to San Francisco Recreation and Parks' “Great Park Naming Contest” after two miles of the Great Highway was permanently closed to create it, KRON4 reported.
With the park project receiving 54 percent support in a public vote, many have used the naming contest to vent their frustration.
Opponents say the park rangers have overstepped the authority of the state and should not decide how roads are used. They also say the plans do not address environmental concerns.
Meanwhile, supporters say traffic will be moved on to under-utilized roads in the neighborhood, with space freed up for leisure.
District 4 supervisor Joel Engardio played a major role in the “Proposition K” public park, which will officially open on 12 April.
“Many of them have told me they didn’t feel heard in their objection to it being on the ballot,” Engardio said. “I take this feedback to heart because it’s important to me that everyone is heard.”
Now the citizens' frustration has spread to the list of names submitted.
Here’s a few of some of the submissions:
Park name |
Reason for proposed name |
Parky McParkface |
“In the great culture and history of the Internet, this is the only appropriate name.” |
This Is Stupid, Let’s Not Do It |
“I have to find another way to commute to work. So let’s not close this road. Like my justification SF?” |
Really Stupid Park |
“It’s a road!!!!” |
No One Who Lives Here Voted for This Park |
“It seems like only people who live nowhere near the great highway want this to be a park and everyone who uses it or lives near it wants a road.” |
