Seek To Name Unisphere Walkway David Oats Promenade

City and borough officials have been asked to honor recently deceased parks activist David Oats by naming a significant piece of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Oats' memory. Requests to name the circular promenade around the Unisphere, currently nameless, for the late park activist have been made to Borough President Helen Marshall, the city Department of Parks and Recreation and the City Council. Oats' wife, Corinne Oats, said she is thrilled with the proposal and hopeful that borough and city officials will give it their nod of approval.

"If it were possible, I would have chosen a spot at the edge of the Unisphere as David's gravesite," said Corinne Oats. "He loved it so."

A spokesperson for Parks Commissioner Adrienne Benepe said the agency is unable to comment until it receives a written request or proposal on the matter.

David Oats, 58, died on February 6.

- Liz Goff