Staff writer
Marion City Council heard of the generosity of a former Marion resident Monday afternoon.
Paul Brooker had previously given $50,000 to the city for the development of a historic springs at Central Park. The bequeath was made in 1999 with the understanding that following his and his wife’s deaths, the city could receive more gifts.
An additional $50,000, for a total of $100,000, now is available to the city for more park improvements if the city agrees to change the name of Central Park to Brooker Park.
With the city accepting the gift in 1999, it appears that the trust will require the city to change the name of the park or the city will have to return the $50,000 gift already spent on the springs.
Mayfield told the council he tried to contact the trust officer but was unable to before the meeting.
City attorney Dan Baldwin suggested the council allow the trustee to answer questions and an attempt be made to negotiate the trust agreement.
“We can move forward as long as we know exactly what we have to do to get the fund. It will be a benefit to the city but it will need to meet requirements,” councilman Steven Smith said. “I am not in favor of renaming the park but maybe something else can be worked out.”
Paul Brooker’s father, C.C. Brooker, was a former mayor of Marion.