Metro Parks Tacoma will unveil new signage next week for a park recently renamed to honor a Tacoma couple instrumental in youth sports on the city’s east side.

A public process to rename McKinley Playfield began last year when officials responded to reports of confusion among some residents over two public parks located so close to each other — McKinley Park, located at 907 Upper Park St., and McKinley Playfield, located at 4321 McKinley Ave.

In April, Metro Parks Tacoma Board of Park Commissioners voted unanimously to rename the site “Verlo Playfield” in honor of Ben and Reba Verlo. The Verlos coached youth sports, advocated for the development of the former Boys and Girls Club on Tacoma’s east side, and often provided a home for kids who didn’t have a place to stay.

A dedication ceremony to unveil the new signage at the park will be held on Mon., June 16, at 12 p.m., at Verlo Playfield, located at 4321 McKinley Ave. Visitors will have an opportunity learn more about the park’s new name and be part of a community photo when the sign is unveiled.

More information is available online at metroparkstacoma.org/verlo-playfield/.