San Marcos City Council Moves Forward With El Camino Real Park Renaming

On Tuesday, the City Council held a discussion regarding a recommendation resolution from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board supporting the renaming of El Camino Real Park.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is proposing renaming the park, Kenneth M. Copeland Memorial Park, after Officer Kenneth Copeland. 

Criminal Investigations Commander Kelly Bomersbach of the San Marcos Police Department submitted the letter proposing the name change to honor Officer Copeland’s service to the community and his legacy.

Bomersbach said, “his style of policing was straightforward, and he was able to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community he served.”

“In the days, week and months after Ken’s death, the community outpouring of support to members of the police department and of public safety as a whole was a testament to what Ken did in this community,” Bomersbach said. “I feel that the renaming of the park is appropriate in that it would honor a local police officer who many knew in the community and promote his style of community policing.”

The board discussed the proposal during their December 19, 2019, meeting and approved a recommendation in support of the name change.

The Neighborhood Commission also approved a recommendation resolution in support of the proposal during their January 15 meeting.

Council member Melissa Derrick said she supported the proposal 100 percent; she thanked all the members of city staff who the effort taken to reach out to the residents of the neighborhood to let them know of the pending name change and seek their support.  

“We got some really nice letters from the HOA about Ken being a hero and being honored to have the memorial park in their neighborhood,” Derrick said. “I think this is going to be a great thing once we get around to the formalities.”

The council shared a general consensus of support and directed staff to bring a formal item back for approval.

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