The iconic Lincoln Park in El Paso is poised for a name change, as the city council is set to consider a proposal that would rename it "Lincoln Park — El Paso's Chicano Park." The suggestion comes from the city Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, aiming to honor the park's deep roots in Chicano culture and history.
The proposal stems from a movement led by the Lincoln Park Conservation Committee, a group dedicated to preserving the park's legacy. The committee, in collaboration with the community, has gathered signatures supporting the name change, with 53 signatures verified. West-Central city Rep. Josh Acevedo has been instrumental in facilitating this process, maintaining contact with the committee and ensuring the proposal reaches the city council.
Established in 1977, Lincoln Park has been a beacon of community spirit and artistic expression. In 1981, El Paso artist Felipe Adame painted the first mural at the park, a tribute to the El Calvario Catholic Church, which was demolished to make way for the spaghetti bowl. Over the years, the park has grown, with Adame returning to add more murals and dedicating them to his late son. Adame is widely recognized as the founder of Lincoln Park, also known as Chicano Park II.
The park's connection to the historic Chicano Park in San Diego is a significant aspect of its identity. The murals in Lincoln Park often bear the words "Chicano Park 2," signifying its role as a cultural and artistic hub for the Chicano community.
The renaming proposal has sparked considerable discussion and debate among the community. While many see it as a way to honor the park's cultural heritage, others have expressed concerns about the implications of such a change. The document accompanying the city council agenda notes that while dozens of signatures were added to the petition, only 53 were verified, indicating a mixed level of support among residents.
In addition to the renaming proposal, the El Paso City Council is scheduled to address another pressing issue during its meeting: a new strategy to combat driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) encounters in the city. The plan follows a directive in May for the city manager and city attorney to draft a data-driven approach to curb drunk driving.
According to data presented to the council, alcohol-related crashes account for 35% of traffic fatalities in El Paso. The city is on track to see a 28% increase in DWI arrests and a 34% increase in speeding citations in 2026. The most frequent locations of DWI-related crashes are highlighted on a heat map, showing areas of high concern for the city's law enforcement.
The proposed multi-pronged approach includes public awareness campaigns, business engagement, coordinated enforcement by state and local police, court programs, and treatment options. Additionally, state legislation, funding, and partnerships are sought to support traffic safety initiatives.
City leaders are hopeful that these measures will help reduce the number of DWI-related incidents and save lives. The DWI arrests already account for 14% of all arrests made between January and April 2026, with men making up the majority of arrests, particularly those between the ages of 25 and 34.
The El Paso City Council's upcoming decisions on both the renaming of Lincoln Park and the DWI strategy are significant steps towards shaping the city's future. The council's actions will not only impact the cultural and historical landscape of El Paso but also its approach to public safety and community well-being.
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