Proposed renaming of St James Park, Coledale to Kerryn McCann Park

Council recently asked  the community to provide their feedback on a proposal to rename St James Park in Coledale as Kerryn McCann Park.

The proposal was put to Council in late 2008 by the Coledale Junior Soccer Club.

St James Park, Coledale was officially opened in March 1929 with a soccer match between Coledale and Granville which resulted in a draw. The origin of the name is not clear, but was most likely named after a park in Britain.

Kerryn McCann was a local resident who represented Australia in the women’s marathon at three Olympic Games and three Commonwealth Games, winning two Commonwealth gold medals in 2002 and 2006.

Following Kerryn’s death in December last year Council received a request from the Coledale Waves Junior Soccer Club to consider renaming their home ground in recognition of Kerryn’s athletics career and commitment to the local community.

The consultation is asking people for their feedback on whether they would like to see Kerryn McCann’s life commemorated, whether they agree with the renaming of the entire Park, or of the Oval or if they have any other suggestions of how this remarkable woman could be commemorated.

If the community is in favour of renaming St James Park then Council will consider putting a proposal to the Geographic Names Board.

Staff were  available to discuss the proposal at a Council Stall at Coledale markets between 10am and 12 noon on Sunday 22 February.

Submissions closed  Friday 6 March 2009.