Renaming of Bleser Park Field: Procedure Not Followed, City Says

The renaming of Bleser Baseball Field in Bleser Park–apparently without the city’s permission has become a sticky point for many people involved in the June 23 event, that resulted in a sign being presented to Mannino at Bleser Park Field, renaming it Mike Mannino Field at Bleser Park after longtime baseball volunteer Mike Mannino. The sign has not yet been posted. 

Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka, who attended the ceremony but was unaware of the renaming, which included a sign made by city workers, didn’t fault the individual who was being honored.

Mannino, a 35-year volunteer with the Avon Lake Youth Baseball Federation,  earned accolades from family, friends and members of the city’s baseball community.

The actual renaming has caused a dilemma for the city.

“Some individuals took it upon themselves to rename a park,” Zilka said at the July 1 Avon Lake City Council meeting.

He noted questions were raised after it was incorrectly reported that Groveland Drive, which ends on high school property, was being renamed for former football coach Dave Dlugosz.

“It was easy to interpret Groveland Drive was going to be renamed and that is not the case,” Zilka said, adding that the city has no jurisdiction over the part of the street that is on school property. “We will not comment on that.”

He did, however, comment on the renaming of Bleser Park Field.

“It is awkward to say the least,” Zilka said. “The city does have a park naming and renaming policy.”

Before a park is named or renamed, the interested parties must petition the Parks & Recreations Committee and a 30-day input period is required. The item will then move on to council and another 30-day public comment period is open.

“Unfortunately that was not followed” Zilka said, saying there was concern that the Bleser family, and by extension Novotny family, could feel slighted.

Zilka is recommending that the Avon Lake Youth Baseball Federation petition the city through the required channels.

“We will welcome that process be followed,” Zilka said.

Meiners upset with renaming

Councilman Larry Meiners took a harder stand.

Meiners said he got a call from a “livid” resident as to why the park was being renamed. Meiners was advised it was the field, not the entire park. 

“I said, ‘I was embarrassed,’” Meiners said, saying he was startled that council knew nothing about the renaming.

“This situation has put two families in very embarrassing situations,” Meiners said.

Meiners wanted to know “who knew what” in the city.

“We’ve taken a landmark…and I don’t support what you’ve said, Mr. Mayor. I want you to see in your managerial role…as to what exactly has happened.”

Meiners said it was an embarrassment to the recreation department head, Gary Gerrone.

“A sign was made by the city department on city time,” Meiners said.

Zilka, however, said Gerrone was not at fault.

“The recreation director did his due diligence,” Zilka said. “It was not his fault.”

Zilka said Gary Gerrone went to a baseball federation meeting and told them there needed to be procedure and sent two emails to the federation notifying them they needed to follow procedure.

ALYBF President John Leonard said he would be submitting the proper paperwork, but said his intention was not to have the field formally renamed.

The proclamation that was read by the ALYBF does say the renaming of the field is for baseball and softball scheduling and ALYBF business purposes only, although an official city-created sign has been created.

“I wasn’t trying to circumvent city rules,” Leonard said.