Title:
Public Hearing - Naming of Pedestrian Bridge at Queens Sports Complex at Marion Diehl Park to "Jerry and Irene Blackmon Bridge and Trails"
Summary
ACTION:
1. Open the public hearing on the request to name the pedestrian bridge at Queens Sports Complex at Marion Diehl Park to "Jerry and Irene Blackmon Bridge and Trails"
2. Close the public hearing and approve the naming as presented, "Jerry and Irene Blackmon Bridge and Trails"
Commission/Staff Contact: Commissioner Susan B. Harden and W. Lee Jones - Director of Park and Recreation
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
John G. "Jerry" Blackmon was a long-time public servant, U.S. Veteran, and beloved community leader. He served on the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) from 1984 - 1990 and in the NC State Legislature from 1991 - 1996. While on the BOCC, Mr. Blackmon was an early champion for the development of greenways. His generous contributions supported the development of the greenway system at the Queens University Sports Complex at Marion Diehl Park.
Mr. Blackmon was born on December 23, 1928 in Asheville, NC. He graduated from York High School in 1946. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. In 1950, he entered the University of South Carolina, where he met and married his wife of 66 years, Irene Herty. He graduated in 1954 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Mr. Blackmon participated in many civic and community activities, held positions of leadership and received numerous awards and honors as listed in the naming application. Mr. Blackmon was inducted into the Mecklenburg County Order of the Hornet on December 3, 1990. This request was approved by both the South Park Region Advisory Council and the Park and Recreation Commission.
Mr. Blackmon passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2019.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A