PIONEER LEGACY

The Pioneer recognition initiative was originally envisioned by several elected officials in 2021 with the intent of highlighting the pioneers of the West Park community, and symbolize its change, transformation, and “Positive Progression” while celebrating the culture and contributions of the earliest settlers and other significant and influential persons throughout the decades.

PIONEERS

Based on research conducted by city staff and other appointed committees, it was evident that “Pioneers” can encompass not only the early settlers who first purchased land, built homes, and resided in the area in the early 1940s, but also individuals, living or deceased, who over a number of years have made significant impact to the community’s development, good name, and image, through professional or business service, civic responsibility, financial contribution, leadership, educational, historic, volunteer, inspirational, or other quality services that have improved the quality of life for the community.  These persons or groups may have also established new lines of thought, activity, or influence for the welfare and betterment of the community and may have been instrumental in shaping the fabric, culture, and identity of the city through positive endeavors and prepared the way for future growth and harmony in West Park.

The list below represents some of the individuals and entities officially recognized as pioneers based on early land ownership as well as contributions to the community.  This list is intended to grow as this young city continues to evolve and prosper in the years to come.

Listed Alphabetically:

• Labran & Edith Adderly
• Catherine Allen
• Jessie Allen
• Mr. & Mrs. Frank R. Anderson
• Ethelyn Bowles
• Carver Ranches, Inc.
• Arthur & Ophelia Daniels
• Maude Davis
• Jesse & Ida Gamble
• Moses & Alice Gay
• Mr. & Mrs. J.C. Ingraham
• Clifton Knowles
• Geneva Knowles       
• Thomas Lewis & Son             
• Luke McKinsey         
• Augusta Mortimore     
• Walter & Easter Robinson
• Harrison & Katherine Strachan
• Fred Thomas
• Willie Tucker

THE PIONEER WALL

The intent of the Pioneer Wall is to facilitate the installation of name recognition plaques acknowledging the historic relevance and contributions of the pioneers, along with artistic patterns and designs which not only create a sense of community and beauty, but also creatively express cultural identity and the spectrum of this evolving neighborhood.  The combination of pioneers recognized on the wall along with the associated artwork should work to engage residents and visitors to enhance their appreciation of the qualities that make the City of West Park unique.  In December of 2022, the City of West Park engaged the services of architectural design firm MC Harry Associates, Inc. to commence the design phase for the pioneer wall project at Mary Saunders Park.  

Click Here for Pioneer Wall Nomination Form

Click here for Ordinance 2025-02 - West Park - Amending Chapter 32 of Code of Ordinances - Establishing Criteria for Pioneer Wall 

THE MURAL

As the top ranked finalist in the city’s selection process for a professional artist, local South Florida artist, Mr. Nathan Delinois, immersed himself in the unique history and culture of the West Park community to produce an artistic design titled “Founding Hopes and Dreams”.  This mural features elements of African American, Bahamian, Caribbean, and other Hispanic influences.  The African Collared Dove, as explained by him, represents “...hope, protection, love, peace, renewal, and transformation. The piece represents the hopes and the dreams of the original pioneers that continue for the future generations.…as the dove flies towards the future.”