Redlands to celebrate renaming of Community Park to honor Latino trailblazers

REDLANDS, Calif. — A celebration to commemorate the renaming of Community Park to Martinez Park is set for Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Church Street in Redlands.

Why it matters: The renaming of the park is part of a broader effort by the city to recognize and celebrate the contributions of its Latino residents throughout Redlands' history.

Details: Redlands City Council approved the renaming on May 21, 2024, to honor Norman N. Martinez and Oddie J. Martinez, the city's first Latino City Council members.

The event will feature comments from city officials and family members, provide information on park programs and offer light refreshments. Reservations are not required to attend.

About the honorees: Norman N. Martinez, born in 1925, was a lifelong Redlands resident who grew up in the citrus industry. He is a World War II veteran and served on U.S. Navy PT boats in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1946.

In 1958, Norman became the first Latin American to serve on the Redlands City Council, holding office until 1970. During his tenure, he also served as Redlands' vice mayor.

Norman was deeply involved in the community, co-founding and serving as president of the Redlands Boys Club. He also led organizations such as the Kiwanis Club and Redlands Pony League Baseball.

Norman was a charter member of American Legion Post 650 since 1949 and held various leadership roles within the group, including state vice-commander, commander and district commander.

Oddie J. Martinez, born in 1928, was also a lifelong Redlands resident who worked in the citrus industry. He served in the U.S. Navy during and after World War II, stationed on Iwo Jima from 1945 to 1949.

Oddie became the second Latin American to serve on the Redlands City Council, holding office from 1978 to 1985. In 1978, he made history as the city's first Latino mayor and the first person to serve in that position from the north side of town.

A longtime educator, Oddie taught at McKinley Elementary School and Cope Junior High. He served as principal at McKinley, Mariposa and Cram elementary schools.

Oddie also coordinated foreign language programs at Redlands Unified School District and directed Title I programs. He was a visiting lecturer at several local universities and colleges.

The renaming of Community Park to Martinez Park recognizes the significant contributions these two men made to Redlands' civic and community life.

Moving forward: For more information about the event, community members can contact the Redlands Recreation Division at 909-798-7572 or 909-798-7579.

Additional details about Norman and Oddie Martinez are available on the city's website.

The celebration at Martinez Park is open to all members of the community, and city officials encourage residents to attend and learn more about these important figures in Redlands' history.