Foundation officials said Lin traditionally names her artwork upon its completion and plans to reveal her own name for the park in time for its September dedication. Commissioner Robert Dean argued that naming the park after Parks would send a message that Grand Rapids doesn't tolerate discrimination. Commissioner James Jendrasiak said Wednesday the notion that Parks has a tenuous link to the city makes for a weak argument against naming the park for her. Lin, who operates a studio in New York, could not be reached for comment Wednesday. There was no telephone number available for her studio.
Commissioners are unlikely to reverse course on the park's name.
It probably would take a citizens' referendum to change it, Jendrasiak said.