Lorain Council weighs renaming Oakwood Pool for former councilman Rey Carrion

LORAIN — Renaming Oakwood Park pool saw a tie vote to go back to Lorain City Council for consideration during a Parks and Recreation Committee Monday evening. Council discussed renaming the newly reopened pool the "Rey Carrion Public Pool at Oakwood Park," and saw mixed reviews from Council. During his time as Ward 6 councilman, Safety/Service Director Rey Carrion pushed for the pool's reopening, Mayor Jack Bradley said, prompting Bradley to move for the pool to be named in Carrion's honor. The pool opened Memorial Day weekend after a $1 million renovation. Its regular season runs through Aug. 11. Mary Springowski, D-at Large, said historically the city named parks or roadways after someone posthumously, and added after bringing it up on her Facebook page, the majority of comments were against renaming the pool at all. Beth Henley, D-1st Ward, agreed, adding it has always been Oakwood Park, and always been Oakwood Pool. Sylvia DuVall, D-at Large, said when reading the city's policy on honorary naming rights, it was only for streets — not parks or pools. Council President Joel Arredondo said the city has named parks and roadways after people before their death, noting General Johnnie Wilson Park, and Sgt. Samuel L. Felton Street. Wilson is still alive, and Felton received the honor in 2018 — two years before his death. He said just because Council has done something in the past, does not mean it is etched in stone. He and Bradley credited Carrion with Oakwood Park and the pool's revival. Bradley later said the Pipe Yard is named for James "Jim Allen" Popiel at the school district's behest — and Popiel is still living. Arredondo added the Friends of South Lorain — a civic group started by Carrion during his tenure on Council — helped clean up the park and fundraise for the pool. "I'd like to see this pool dedicated to a man who has been dedicated to this city for over 30 years," Arredondo said. Bradley said he had not been contacted by anyone who though it was a bad idea, and even if 10 or 20 people had reached out, he stood by the potential name change. During public comment, several residents questioned why the pool needed renamed in the first place. Carrion, via text, said whatever Council ultimately decides, he was humbled and honored by the gesture. "It was a team approach," Carrion said. "Saving this pool for the citizens of Lorain was essential. The community came together and poured their heard and soul to save this community treasure." At the end of Council's session on Monday, there was a question as to whether Arredondo's vote to break the tie was correct, as he is not technically a member of any committee. Council Clerk Breanna Dull planned to seek a legal opinion from the Law Department. If the vote was not valid, the matter remains in committee. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.