City to host renaming, unveiling of Jim Crouch Park
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso is inviting the community to the renaming and unveiling of Jim Crouch Park on Friday morning, April 26.
The City says the unveiling will be at 10 a.m. at the new Jim Crouch Park located at 7500 W H Burges.
The City says the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board passed the renaming application in February. El Paso City Council then passed a resolution to officially rename the park.
The City says more than 50 park area residents signed the application in support of renaming Ponder Park to James “Jim” Crouch Park in remembrance of Park’s “legacy as a referee, athlete, highly decorated soldier, and as a guiding light for El Paso youngsters.”
The ceremony will include Mayor Oscar Leeser, City Representative Cassandra Hernandez, and other City leaders as well as the Burges High School Band and cheerleaders. Refreshments will also be served.
“James ‘Jim’ Crouch earned acclaim from both the U.S. Army and the El Paso athletic realm for his steadfast commitment. He forged a lasting legacy as a versatile figure, distinguishing himself as a referee, excelling in softball, earning accolades as a highly decorated soldier, and attaining the esteemed distinction of becoming the highest-ranking African-American civilian employee in Fort Bliss history upon his retirement in 2010. Crouch made substantial contributions to the world of sports as a member of the International Softball Congress Fast Pitch teams, from El Paso in 1961 and 1962 that won back-to-back championships. He earned an induction into the El Paso Softball Hall of Fame as a player in 2015. In 2006, his guidance to younger officials, care for students, and the multitude of accolades bestowed upon him by the Texas Association of Sports Officials culminated in his induction into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame as a referee,” the City said.
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