Simpsonville City Council votes to return Gracely Park to original name

In a 4–2 vote, the Simpsonville City Council has approved an amended ordinance establishing stricter rules for naming city assets, a move that will officially revert Gracely Park back to its longstanding title, Simpsonville City Park.

The updated policy bars public city-owned or controlled property—including facilities, buildings, and parks—from being named in honor of any living individual. It also institutes a one-year waiting period following an individual’s death before municipal property can be named in their memory.

Key Policy Provisions & Reversal Details

• Retroactive Clause: An amendment introduced by Councilmember Chad O’Rear applies the naming restrictions retroactively to public properties renamed after January 1, 2023, directly reversing the late 2024 renaming of the downtown park.

• Streets Excluded: The retroactive naming ban explicitly exempts city roadways and streets.

• Donor Exception: The ordinance permits naming opportunities for living individuals only if they donate significant land, financial gifts, or capital resources, and stipulate the naming rights in writing as an explicit condition of the gift.

• Council Split: Councilmembers Shannon Williams and Sherry Roche voted against the ordinance and the retroactive amendment. Roche argued that the restriction was unnecessary and hindered council’s ability to recognize dedicated community contributors.

The park had been renamed in late 2024 to honor former City Administrator Dianna Gracely, who retired in 2025 after leading major downtown revitalization and capital development projects for the city. With the passage of the ordinance, the city will begin the process of restoring the Simpsonville City Park moniker across municipal signage and park branding.

Photo credit: Jaxx