Park given new name with echo of history

A bicyclist rides past Perrysburg school administrators from left Matt Feasel, superintendent Thomas Hosler, Barry VanHoozen, and Gretchen Downs at the Commodore Schoolyard in Perrysburg, Ohio. THE BLADE/LORI KING Enlarge | Buy This Photo

The Marine Corps Band was in town for a special concert, but there was a small problem.

Where was it supposed to play?

The show was advertised as in Commodore Square, but the name creates confusion. Residents regularly call Perrysburg schools to find this so-called park.

"People have called saying, 'Where is Commodore Square? I don't see it on a map,' " Perrysburg Superintendent Thomas Hosler said.

School board members recently chimed in on what the official name should be for the grassy land bounded by Louisiana Avenue, Indiana Avenue, Elm Street, and Fifth Street.

On the same plot is the district's administration building, known as the Commodore Building, 140 E. Indiana Ave.

Why not use the square to pay homage to the Perrysburg school taxpayers, suggested school board member Walt Edinger.

"Call it Levy Square if you want," he said.

But is the land even a square?

Mr. Edinger contradicted his own argument, pointing out the plot was more of a rectangular shape anyway.

The discussion may have seemed a little petty, but school board member Valerie Hovland said the moment had historical significance.

"This sounds like an easy decision, but it really isn't," she said last week. "There's something historical about this name. It really is an important decision."

The square was the home of a rather unlucky schoolhouse in the 19th century.

Twice, the school -- first called Louisiana Avenue School then rebuilt and called Union School -- burned down.

Over the years, the school on the site was rebuilt and used as an elementary school, high school, and then a junior high, which the district closed in 2002.

Now, it's where the school board meets and where Mr. Hosler and the other administrative staff keep their offices.

Finally, school board member Gretchen Downs pitched her idea -- Commodore Schoolyard Square.

"It's an old-fashioned name," she said. "It has a good feel to it. Commodore Schoolyard Square. I like it."

Other board members agreed.

The name made it clear the square -- or rectangle, whatever it is -- belongs to the school district, which was key, several said.

But the vote to officially name the land wasn't without a hitch.

Treasurer Matt Feasel stumbled over the words as he asked the board to vote on it.

"Commodore School Square," he mistakenly said as he read the resolution.

"Yard!" the board members said back, loudly, in unison, before they voted yes.

Commodore Schoolyard Square it is.