City of Tucson considers renaming Mansfield Park to honor hometown leader’s legacy

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A new effort has been launched to honor her significant contributions to the Sugar Hill neighborhood and the broader Tucson community. The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department has announced a 45-day public comment period for a proposal to rename Mansfield Park to “Doris J. Thompson Park.”

“Mansfield Park is such an important part of the African American community in Tucson. It was time for us to change the name to reflect someone in the community who has helped the community and is responsible for making this park what it is today. And that person is Doris J. Thompson,” says Sugar Hill Community Land Trust President Sadie Shaw.

The current name, Mansfield Park, reflects historical connotations of racially discriminatory practices. Monte Mansfield, the majority owner of the El Cortez District, donated 20.8 acres of his land to the City of Tucson, which later became Mansfield Park. However, the deeds on the site contained covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CCRs) excluding individuals of “African or Negro descent”, which is now illegal under the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

Doris Thompson was known as a pillar of Tucson’s African-American community. She dedicated her life to helping young African-Americans succeed despite discrimination, teaching them the importance of education, proper etiquette, hygiene practices and cooking.

Doris’ son, Harvey Thompson, said he grew up in Mansfield Park and learned to play basketball on the basketball courts as a youngster, which set him on the path to college at the University of Arizona. He said he admired how his mother changed lives from a young age, caring deeply about the well-being of young people and investing in their futures.

“She wanted to make sure they did the right thing and made good decisions, understanding that bad decisions would have consequences,” Thompson said. “She was very much a mother, an aunt, a grandmother and a mentor.”

Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association President Jack Anderson shared his personal experience, saying Doris Thompson was very influential to him growing up.

“He was the only adult who actually stood up and came here and supported the youth in the community,” she said. “So it means a lot to me.”

The Sugar Hill neighborhood is planning a celebration in Thompson’s memory at the park the day after Thanksgiving, calling it “Doris J. Thompson Day.”

“This was the dream that many of us had. To have a center and a park that really works with the community,” Anderson said. “These are the things we do to continue his legacy, to build that unity, to support our community and to educate our kids.”

Those who wish to voice their views on changing the name of the park can send a letter to the following address:

Tucson Parks and Recreation Director

900 S. Randolph Road

Tucson, AZ 85716

The public comment period will be open until Sunday, October 6, 2024. Tucson residents are encouraged to participate by voicing their support or providing feedback on the proposal. For more information about Doris Thompson’s contributions to the community, visit: Parks and Recreation website.

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