Palatine district won't rename park after Wendell Jones

From his special education efforts to establishing the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence, no one questions the good that the late state Sen. Wendell Jones did for his community.

But that doesn't mean Palatine Park District officials are eager to stray from their long-standing tradition of naming parks after trees and birds by dedicating one of Palatine's most recognizable landmarks to him.

Executive Director Ron Gbur said the park board isn't interested in heeding a call to add Jones' moniker to Towne Square, a square-block of green space featuring stone walks, landscaping, chessboard tables and an old-fashioned gazebo.

“Wendell's a great guy and we all miss him, but we want to keep it the way it is,” Gbur said.

Jones served as Palatine village trustee from 1967 to 1973 followed by a four-year term as mayor. In 1998, he was appointed to the 27th District state Senate seat, which he held for a decade.

Gbur said the park district “isn't big” on naming parks and facilities after individuals. When it does, it's usually after longtime park commissioners or administrators. Examples include the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater and Wally Degner Park, both located on Palatine Road.

Another exception is Doug Lindberg Park on Winston Drive, named for a 16-year-old who drowned in 1972 while rescuing two children from nearby Lake Louise. Even then, commissioners approved the initiative by just a 3-2 vote.

The movement to rename Towne Square after Jones, who died Oct. 25 at age 73, originated from longtime associate Richard Maxwell.

Maxwell, a friend and active Palatine Republican who helped Jones with his campaigns, said the downtown park wouldn't be the gem it is today if not for the money Jones brought to it. He has approached both the park district board and village council about the idea.

“He was the driving force behind (Towne Square),” Maxwell said. “It would be wonderful to recognize someone who always did everything for others and never for himself.”

Jones served as the Towne Square fundraising chairman in 1997, leading an effort to raise $600,000 to purchase the private land.

Gbur said it's possible Jones could be honored through the Palatine Parks Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm of the park district. Jones sat on that board for several years.