Fire Captain Who Died Earlier This Year Honored With Park Renaming

RIVERSIDE, CA — El Dorado Park in Riverside was renamed Tim Strack Park in honor of the Riverside Fire Department captain who died in April, officials announced Wednesday.

The Riverside City Council unanimously approved the name change Tuesday.

"Tim Strack's life was devoted to caring for our community," Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. "Naming a park in his honor will keep his memory alive for generations of Riversiders as a testament to the power of putting service before self."

Riverside City Firefighters' Association President Michael Detoy requested the renaming in October, writing in his application that Strack "embodied the finest qualities of a true firefighter," adding that Strack "loved the fire service, but he loved the city of Riverside even more."

The renaming previously received support at a community meeting, and during meetings of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council's Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee.

Fire Chief Michael Moore noted that Strack, who died of a heart attack in April, served the public for decades.

"Tim was a longtime selfless servant as the president of the Riverside City Firefighters' Association, Local 1067, for 21 years and a voice for every frontline firefighter in the city of Riverside," Moore said. "He also represented firefighters across the state of California as he also served as vice president for California Professional Firefighters."

A longtime Riverside resident with his wife, Wendy, and three adult children, Strack "was often referred to as 'Mr. Riverside' because of his involvement in nearly every major city decision over the last two decades," Moore added.

The park consists of 8.5 acres of grass and trees surrounded by single-family homes and is used mostly by people playing soccer or walking their dogs. A $2.45 million plan to improve the park is moving forward, with construction expected to begin in May 2024 and being completed that fall.

Improvements will include a new park monument sign, seating area, fitness stations, two playgrounds, picnic tables, concrete pathways and solar lighting and irrigation improvements.