Oak Street Park in Clinton is no more due to a resolution passed unanimously by Clinton City Council. Calm down. The park is still there but from now on it will bear a new name.
During the March meeting of Clinton City Council held yesterday evening a resolution was presented renaming Oak Street Park the Shirley Jenkins Park. City Councilwoman Shirley Jenkins appeared to be completely surprised by that announcement and received a standing ovation as Mayor Bob McLean called her up front and then read the following proclamation.
“A resolution to change the name of Oak Street Park in Ward 2 of the city of Clinton to Shirley Jenkins Park.
Whereas Shirley Jenkins has served on the city council of the city of Clinton, South Carolina for almost 30 years serving from 1994 to 2023,
And whereas a resolution of commendation to honor Shirley Jenkins for her service has been adopted by the city council of the city of Clinton,
And whereas Shirley Jenkins has diligently and faithfully represented the citizens and residents of Ward 2 in the city of Clinton for the course of her service on city council,
And whereas Oak Street Park is located within Ward 2 of the city of Clinton at the intersection of Oak Street and West Centennial Street and has received various upgrades and new equipment during the tenure of Shirley Jenkins on city council,
And whereas the city council of the city of Clinton desires to further honor Shirley Jenkins by changing the name of Oak Street Park to Shirley Jenkins Park,
Now therefore be it resolved that the city council hereby changes the name of Oak Street Park in Ward 2 in the city of Clinton to Shirley Jenkins Park as a token of appreciation and gratitude for her term of outstanding service on the city council of the city of Clinton.
Resolved this 6th day of March, 2023
Robert T. McLean, Mayor, City of Clinton”
An accompanying resolution of commendation was read to by Councilwoman Jenkins’ daughter and she received yet another standing ovation. That resolution was also passed by unanimous vote.