Title
Resolution to Rename 2570 Dexter Avenue Park to Dr. George Henry Jewett II Park
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve the renaming of 2570 Dexter Avenue Park to Dr. George Henry Jewett II Park.
In July 2021, the City acquired the property at 2570 Dexter Avenue in partnership with the Ann Arbor Housing Commission for the development of a new park. The current park name is 2570 Dexter Avenue Park, a generic name based on the default naming convention for all new parks added to the City of Ann Arbor park system.
Budgeting and capital planning efforts are complete, and staff anticipate construction efforts to be completed by Spring 2027. New amenities include a basketball court, pavilion, grills, picnic table, water fountain, and bioswale.
In February 2026, staff released a community survey requesting nominations for park names. The survey closed in late March 2026, with 29 nominations submitted. After review, staff recommended to the Park Advisory Commission that the park be renamed in honor of Dr. George Henry Jewett II.
Dr. George Henry Jewett II was born and raised in Ann Arbor. He was the captain of the Ann Arbor High School (now Pioneer High School) debate, football, and baseball teams, as well as the 1889 valedictorian. He went on to be the first African-American football player at both the University of Michigan and Northwestern University. After graduation, he became a doctor in Chicago before returning to Ann Arbor in 1899.
Staff support the renaming and rededication of this park to the Dr. George Henry Jewett II Park because of the academic and athletic achievements and legacy of Dr. George Henry Jewett II. Staff have confirmed that this nomination conforms to the Parks & Recreation naming guidelines.
.Staff
Prepared by: Remy Long, Deputy Manager, Parks & Recreation Services
Reviewed by: Josh Landefeld, Manager, Parks & Recreation Services
Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, After recommendation by the Park Advisory Commission and City Council approval (R-21-035 and R-21-203), in July 2021 the City purchased 2570 Dexter Avenue to add to the City park system;
Whereas, The current park name is 2570 Dexter Ave. Park, a generic name based on the default naming convention for all new parks added to the City of Ann Arbor park system;
Whereas, A new park name, suggested by the community, would help better reflect the park’s common identity, represent community values, and demonstrate community ownership;
Whereas, The City initiated a process to engage the broader public to submit nominations for renaming 2570 Dexter Avenue Park;
Whereas, According to City park renaming policy, a community survey was released for a month to collect nominations;
Whereas, The survey generated 29 nominations;
Whereas, No Parks staff-supported nominations received duplicate nominations by the community;
Whereas, A nomination for renaming the park in honor of Dr. George Henry Jewett II was submitted and supported by Parks staff;
Whereas, Dr. George Henry Jewett II was born and raised in Ann Arbor, was the first African-American football player at both the University of Michigan and Northwestern University, captain of his high school debate, football and baseball team, and valedictorian of his 1889 Ann Arbor High School class;
Whereas, The academic and athletics achievements and legacy of Dr. George Henry Jewett II reflect the community values the City wishes to honor through this rare opportunity to name or rename a City park;
Whereas, This nomination conforms to the Parks policy for naming a City park; and
Whereas, The Park Advisory Commission recommended 2570 Dexter Avenue Park be renamed and rededicated as Dr. George Henry Jewett II Park;
RESOLVED, That the Ann Arbor City Council officially renames and rededicates 2570 Dexter Ave. Park as Dr. George Henry Jewett II Park; and
RESOLVED, That, upon completion of the park construction and renaming process, the City of Ann Arbor join with park neighbors in convening an appropriate park dedication ceremony.