Petition Circulated To Change Name Of Park

ALLEGHENY CO., Pa. (WPXI) — There is a petition circulating that wants to change the name of a local park because some claim it is offensive. Squaw Valley Park sits along Fox Chapel Road in O’Hara Township. The term “squaw” is considered an ethnic slur. Activists say it is very offensive to Native American women, and they don’t want it used anymore in the Fox Chapel area. “It’s 2020 and at the time this park was named it was appropriate, but now in this day of age it’s not,” said activist Kayla Portis. The petition seeks to rename the park, nearby Squaw Run Road and other local landmarks — citing the word “squaw” is an ethnic and sexual slur aimed at objectifying Native American women. Portis and another woman who are both part-Native American are spearheading the movement. So far, Portis says there are hundreds of signatures. But not everyone agrees with the change. It’s the latest racial issue that has been brought up in the Fox Chapel area.  Now, this movement wants to change the name of the park, roads and waterways in the community. The Fox Chapel borough manager says they always consider requests from their residents. As for O’Hara Township, where the park is located, officials said this issue will be discussed at the next council meeting.