Plano City Council members unanimously approved the renaming of the Senior Recreation Center when it re-opens next year. It will now be called Sam Johnson Recreation Center for Adults 50+.
The new name honors Plano’s Sam Johnson, decorated war hero and native Texan who ranks among the few members of Congress who have fought in combat. During his 29-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Representative Johnson flew combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He endured nearly seven years as a Prisoner of War in Hanoi, including 42 months in solitary confinement. Following his distinguished military career, Johnson established a home-building business in North Dallas from scratch and served in the Texas State legislature.
The Council’s approval comes after a committee recommended the name change. The committee consisted of two council members appointed by the mayor, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Angela Miner and Council Member Rick Smith, along with Robin Reeves, Director of Parks and Recreation, and Paul Gerber, Chairman of the Senior Advisory Board.
The committee recommended naming the facility after Sam Johnson. They added “for adults 50+” because national senior organizations and professional recreation organizations recommend omitting the use of the word “senior.”
Plano Senior Recreation Center > [codepeople-post-map]
