Should Brown Memorial Park be renamed Brown/Wortham Memorial Park?

I wondered how the community would memorialize Officer Wortham and my meetings with Mr. Brown, the brother of Sidney Brown came to mind.



Brown Memorial Park located at 634 E. 85th Street was named for fallen Fireman Sidney Brown who was a Chatham resident. Brown Park has been overlooked by both residents and the Chicago Park District and is not used as much because it lacks bathroom facilities. Several years ago an overzealous developer attempted to approach the park district about acquiring a portion of the park.



I had the pleasure of talking to Officer Wortham several years ago about Brown Park because the Cole Park Advisory Council also oversees Brown Park and I know that he wanted to upgrade the park as well. Also, I met the brother of of Sidney Brown at Brown Park during his annual Memorial picnic celebrating his brother and other fallen African American firefighters. During the picnic fire trucks come out so the kids can get on and see them up close as well as interact with fireman. During this meeting Mr. Brown discussed that he would like to see a memorial for fallen African American firefighter.



So why not honor both fallen officers by naming the park in their honor with a memorial garden/section at the Park that shows those who serve and protect us that we care. Also, start the rebuilding process at that park. The park is a blank canvas and it has enough space that all residents in our community can participate whether they are young or young at heart and all other in between.as well as the business and the faith based community can participate so it is truly a community park.