The city of Ceres is hosting a contest to name the new park in the Eastgate area of Ceres and has set a deadline of Friday, Feb. 19.

The city had planned for the park to be named Eastgate Park until then Councilman Channce Condit suggested the park be named after the late Guillermo Ochoa, a councilman who served six years until his defeat in the November 2011 election. The council preferred the public to submit ideas, which culminated in the contest. The suggestions will be evaluated by an ad hoc subcommittee consisting of Mayor Javier Lopez, Councilman Bret Silveira, city Recreation Manager Matthew Lohr, and citizens Lisa Mantarro Moore, Brandy Meyer and Gene Yeakley. After the committee has presented their recommendations to the City Council, the council will formally adopt a name. 

So far about 30 suggestions have been submitted.

The criteria set forth by the city calls for parks to be named after a geographical location, a theme or of historical significance; or a person or persons, organization or business that donates over 50 percent of the cost of the city site acquisition and/or development; or a person or persons who have successfully volunteered working with youth or adults recreation programs for a minimum of l0 years; or who have lived in Ceres for at least 10 years and have a record of outstanding citizenship.

Recreation Manager Matthew Lohr said the public can submit park names by going to the city’s website  or picking up a form in-person at the Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth Street. After the form has been filled out it can be scanned and emailed to ceresrec@ci,ceres.ca.us, or faxed to (209) 538-5614 or brought to the center during business hours,  weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Forms must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19.