Berlin Park Name Input Sought

BERLIN – The committee tasked with guiding the future of Berlin Falls Park is seeking the public’s input regarding a new name for the public space.

The Berlin Falls Park Advisory Committee is asking for public participation in a brief online survey. It asks for input on a handful of possible names and provides respondents with the option of submitting their own ideas.

“We look forward to hearing all of the ideas for park names from those who care about the town and about the park,” said Amy Field, chair of the committee. “I hope the outcome of the survey will reflect what people already love about the property, and what they hope it can bring to the town.”

The survey, which will be open until June 14, is available on the Berlin Falls Park website (berlinmd.gov/park/berlin-falls-park) or on the Berlin Falls Park Facebook page.

“The whole process will take you a minute or less,” Field said.

She said the purpose of the survey was to give residents and visitors a voice in the naming process. Potential monikers listed in the survey include Legacy Park, Adventure Park, Heron Park, Pride Park and Boulevard Park. Citizens can also suggest other names as long as they comply with the town’s naming policy, which states that context and geographical location, natural features and historical significance should be taken into consideration. Field added that the survey was not a voting contest.

“Although a name that gets a lot of votes will definitely get our attention and be discussed and considered,” she said. “It’s a challenge to pick a name for a park which hasn’t been developed yet. However, we know that the ponds area will stay natural, and we have identified the wildlife and plants there which could provide inspiration for a name. We also know that the front part of the property will be for more active uses, and we are moving forward with the amphitheater concept.”

Field said that would be discussed later this spring after David Deutsch, the project coordinator, researched concert options that wouldn’t compete with those already offered in the area.

“The next step with that might then be funding options for it, such as grants and business sponsorship,” she said. “We will also be discussing event possibilities for summer and fall on the property, such as night sky events and guided nature/birding tours.”

Field pointed out that while the committee is considering a new name for the property, there will likely be additional naming opportunities in the future as various sections of the 62-acre parcel are developed.

About The Author: Charlene Sharpe

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Charlene Sharpe has been with The Dispatch since 2014. A graduate of Stephen Decatur High School and the University of Richmond, she spent seven years with the Delmarva Media Group before joining the team at The Dispatch.