Eau Claire, Wis. - A popular Downtown park is expected to be renamed in honor of Bon Iver frontman and Grammy Award winner Justin Vernon. A resolution to be introduced at the April City Council meeting would rename Owen Park as "Vernon Park".

The park land for Owen Park was originally donated in 1913 by lumber baron John S. Owen in an effort to make Eau Claire a "city of parks." The resolution recognizes the current effort to make Eau Claire a "city of music". An official renaming ceremony for Vernon Park is expected in June to coincide with the internationally-acclaimed Eaux Claires festival.

"This is an amazing way to honor one of Eau Claire's native sons," said Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. staff member Kyran Hamill. "Justin has elevated the music and cultural scene in Downtown Eau Claire in so many ways, from the '22, A Million' mural, to his multiple musical collaborations, to the award winning Oxbow Hotel. Vernon Park will be a reminder of these contributions for generations to come."

Councilmember Andrew Werthmann is also expected to request an amendment to the resolution renaming the popular park bandshell as the "S. Carey Bandshell".

(PS - Happy April Fool's from Downtown Eau Claire!)