Peace Park Naming Process Sparks Surprisingly Little Peace
The process of naming Downtown Bozeman’s new Peace Park has, ironically, generated what attendees describe as “the opposite of peace” at three consecutive city meetings.
The park, intended to honor local restaurant owner I-Ho Pomeroy’s “spirit of community,” became a flashpoint after fourteen residents submitted competing naming proposals, including “Unity Garden,” “Harmony Square,” “Serenity Plaza,” and one anonymous suggestion simply reading “Stop Fighting About The Park Name Park.”
“I think we can all agree this park should represent togetherness,” said resident Carol Dietrich, before turning to another attendee and saying, “Not like YOUR suggestion, which was frankly offensive.”