Turlock's Sunnyview Park could soon bear the name of a former Turlock mayor.

The Turlock Parks, Recreation, and Community Programs Commission unanimously recommended renaming Sunnyview Park “Quaile Rand Norton Park,” in honor of the former mayor's contributions to the community.

Norton was a citizen of Turlock for more than 60 years. He and his widow, Esther Norton, moved to Turlock in 1947, when they purchased the Norton Mortuary which they ran until 1979.

Quaile Norton was both a Turlock City Councilman and a Turlock Unified School District Board Member. He held the title of Mayor of Turlock from 1957 through 1960.

Norton was the president of several civic organizations, including the Turlock Rotary, was the first chairman of the Turlock United Way, and was a member of both the Horseman's Club and the Masonic Lodge. He also announced Turlock High School football games.

“He loved all outdoor activities and he loved people,” wrote Turlocker Donna Pierce, notable for spearheading the Trans-California Pathway Project at California State University, Stanislaus, in requesting the renaming. “Please consider honoring him in this way.”

The renaming effort began when Pierce approached Turlock city staff with the request. Staff considered several locations and met with Esther Norton before determining that Sunnyview Park was the most appropriate candidate for renaming.

Esther Norton would be responsible for the costs of a new sign, estimated at $5,500.

Sunnyview Park is located at 500 S. Berkeley. It is home to what is now Turlock's only dog park; a second dog park is planned for the newly renamed Swanson-Centennial Park on Countryside Drive.

The renaming of Sunnyview Park still awaits final approval from the Turlock City Council.