Title
Approving the naming of Koom Siab Park.
Body
WHEREAS, in 2023, approximately 5 acres of land was platted as park land to be developed into a park located within Ward 6, District 2, east of Winifred and west of Howard, between Idaho and Iowa; and
WHEREAS, the community engagement included a request for name suggestions for the new park; and
WHEREAS, one hundred twenty responses were received and reviewed resulting in a short list of names consistent with Parks and Recreation Policy #7 “Naming Parks and Recreation Sites” and representative of overall themes from the community’s suggestions; and
WHEREAS, the Community submitted many ideas for names that reflect a sentiment of welcoming; and
WHEREAS, there is a desire to provide a name and sentiment for this park which indicates a feeling of community and belonging; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul has the second largest population of Hmong residents in any city in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Greater East Side neighborhood in Saint Paul has the highest population of Hmong people in the Twin Cities; and
WHEREAS, there are no parks in the Twin Cities named in the Hmong language; and
WHEREAS, Koom Siab (kong shee-aah) is the way to say “to unite,” “come together,” and “join” in Hmong; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul’s Parks and Recreation Commission (“Commission”) considered the request under Commission Policy #7, Naming Parks and Recreation Sites, 2012 Update, which provides criteria for naming of parks; and
WHEREAS, on October 8, 2026, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted to recommend the name for approval by the City Council; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council approves the naming of the park Koom Siab Park