A massive park is currently being constructed in the San Fernando Valley, which is set to feature a splash pad, tennis court, hiking trails, and panoramic views. Although the park is expected to open in the coming months, its name has not yet been revealed. The park’s sign, located at the southern entrance, is still covered in a plastic sheet. David Balen, a board member and former president of the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council, expressed his desire to unveil the sign and questioned if a name had already been decided upon. Numerous names have been suggested for the 50-acre park, and residents, as well as the city, have been reviewing these options since construction began in 2018. Some Porter Ranch residents speculate that the park’s lack of a name is due in part to the complexities of Los Angeles politics.
The park naming debate started when luxury home developer Toll Brothers proposed naming it Bloom Park after former City Councilmember Mitch Englander’s mother and sister, Linda and Natalie Bloom. Toll Brothers also suggested naming a planned pavilion after Englander himself. However, Englander stepped down from his City Council seat in December 2018 following an FBI investigation into corruption at City Hall. Greig Smith, the previous councilmember for District 12, temporarily filled the seat and recommended honoring the request to name the park Bloom Park as a tribute to Englander. This proposal was halted after Englander went to federal prison in June 2021 and was released in early 2022.
Since then, the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks has received several suggestions from residents regarding the park’s name. Options such as Porter Ranch Community Park, Shangri La Park, Porter Ranch Park, and Coyote Park at Porter Ranch have been proposed. The Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, a local Native American tribe, joined the discussion and advocated for naming the park Sesevenga Community Park, which translates to “the place of the sycamore-woods” in their language. Councilmember John Lee, Englander’s successor, sent a letter to the Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners suggesting naming the park after Jane Boeckmann, the late wife of philanthropist Bert Boeckmann. Lee also proposed naming the park’s pavilion Sesevenga Pavilion in honor of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. The tribe expressed their support for naming the park after Jane Boeckmann and the pavilion after their tribe.
Lee stated that he is eager to work with the commission and the community throughout the naming process, suggesting “Jane and Bert Boeckmann Park” for the park’s name and “Sesevenga Pavilion” for the pavilion. Balen and Ron Nagai, former president of the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council, expressed disappointment that Lee proposed naming the park without consulting the community council. The neighborhood council had previously recommended naming the park Porter Ranch Community Park and the amphitheater Sesevenga Pavilion. Nagai mentioned feeling ignored and described the situation as a continuation of dishonesty at City Hall. The final name for the park will be determined by the Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners, and the public is encouraged to provide their input on the matter.