The city has received several suggestions regarding what to name Purgatory Creek Recreation Area and the body of water it contains.

City Manager Scott Neal listed off several possibilities that had been received to name the body of water: Lake Remembrance, Malaya Lake, Lambert Lake, Wildlife Lake, Egret Lake, Little Lake on the Prairie, SouthWest Metro Lake, Willow Lake, Living Prairie Lake, Victory Lake, Lake Blessing, Reflections Lake, Purgatory Lake, Prairie Lake, Owl Lake, Eagle Lake, Colonial Lake, Healing Lake, Willow Reed Lake and Deer Lake.

Parks and Recreation Director Bob Lambert said for the 25 different suggestions that had been received for a new name for the park, there were 20 to 25 people saying, “What is the matter with you people? What is wrong with the existing name? It’s a great name. Leave it alone!”

The body of water didn’t have an official name and city staff is recommending changing the title from Recreation Area to Conservation Area to better reflect the status of the park, if no other change is made.

Next the ideas go to the city’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission for them to come up with a decision-making process, which would involve more public input, and possibly a contest.

“We’re looking at all the suggestions right now and we’ll sort it out through some sort of public process,” Neal said.

“There certainly is no rush,” Lambert said. “If it takes another month or two months, it really doesn’t make any difference.”

The suggestion to rename the park came in August of last year from the Veterans Memorial Committee, recommending that the name “Memorial Park” might be appropriate, as it will be home to that memorial, in addition to the Mayor Jean Harris Gathering Bridge.

The Parks Commission recommended the name “Prairie Lake Park” at the Jan. 16 City Council meeting. The proposal was sent back to the Parks Commission and residents were asked to offer suggestions. The city’s Heritage Preservation Commission and Historical Society have weighed in, supporting keeping “Purgatory Creek” as part of the name.

After the city comes up with a name, a petition will be submitted to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. The proposal would then go to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Ideas can be submitted to Lambert at 952-949-8300 or rlambert@edenprairie.org.