New Lafayette Pocket Park
The Lafayette City Council is scheduled to name the pocket park, under construction, at 701 S Public Road. The decision is scheduled for the October 20th council meeting.
I suggest the name “Rosebelle Park” or just simply “Rosebelle,” after Rosebelle Lueras (later Rosebelle Vargas), the daughter of Rose Lueras. I know that the pool in the recreation center is named after Rose Lueras.
I would respectfully ask for your support in this effort if you feel the same.
I believe that this would be a great name for the new park for several reasons. First, for Rosebelle’s involvement in the events prior to, and the civil rights suit in 1935 following the death of her mother. I believe many of you are aware of the general history, but briefly, in 1933 the Lueras family and others donated cement for the new community swimming pool. The pool was completed in 1934 and was placed in the control of the fire department which restricted it to whites only. A civil suit was initiated with Rose Lueras as the lead, named plaintiff. Shortly thereafter, there was racial violence, the KKK marched, and a cross was burned in their lawn at 304 E Chester. Rose took Rosebelle to California to await the trial. In 1935, Rose was killed in a pedestrian/auto accident, witnessed by Rosebelle. Rosebelle, then 13 years old and just 23 days after witnessing the death of her mother, testified in the civil suit. I found this heart tugging.
TESTIMONY OF ROSEBELLE LUERAS Rosebelle Lueras, called as a witness by plaintiffs, testified: That she is the daughter of Rose Lueras, former plaintiff in this case; that she was present with her mother the third day of the opening of the pool. Q. (By Mr. Prentice) did you and your mother make any demand there on anyone for permission to swim in that pool? A. Yes, sir. Objection by Mr. Hutchinson: “We object, if the Court please, unless he ties it to these six plaintiffs.” Overruled by the Court. The witness testified that her mother talked to Zeke Baldick, who was at the gate; that her mother asked him where the gate was to pay admission; that he, Zeke Baldick, answered, “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you in. You can go in to watch.” That her mother said, “Well why can’t we go in?”; that he said, “We don’t allow the Spanish-American or Mexicans to go in to swim.” That her mother asked that she, the daughter, be permitted to swim there; that she was refused. That at the time of the refusal there were people swimming in the pool. That she made no second demand to swim. Cross-Examination by Mr. Hutchinson Witness testified that Zeke Baldick was the man her mother asked to allow her to swim; that she did not know what day of the week it was. That she did not know whether the other people around the gate were members of the Fire Department. That Clyde Reed was there. That her mother did not expect to go in to swim and that she did not ask for herself, but that she asked for her, the witness.
Redirect Examination by Mr. Prentice Q. But she did ask that you be permitted to swim there? A. Yes, sir.
(https://www.lafayetteco.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29221/1934-Pool-Exhibit-Complete-PDF)
Further, I believe that this suggestion is consistent with the city policy on name facilities:
- “Names should reflect geographic, historic, or cultural significance,” to the City.
- “Names shall reflect diversity, equity and inclusion…of the Lafayette community…”
- It advances “fostering a sense of community and home town character.”
- It “heightens the awareness of City history.”
- It “calls attention to points of pride in our community,” including, “people, events… that have shaped the city, special tribute, memorial…”
The “finalist” names the city chose to place on the survey are Mariposa (butterfly) Park, Peach Leaf Park, Pequeno (small) Park, Rosebelle Park. I believe it is very clear that Rosebelle Park best meets the criteria from the city policy.
The suggestion of “Rosebelle” as the name of the park was made originally in April of this year in compliance with the city naming facilities policy.
And, I would suggest, Rosebelle is simply beautiful name and especially fitting for a park.
Some people may say that her mother is already recognized by the naming of the recreation center pool, and that is enough. Thirteen-year-old Rosebelle was subject to terrible treatment at the pool and acted courageously after being discriminated against, after the cross-burning on their lawn, and after witnessing the death of her mother- bravely testifying.
Perhaps some may say this was not a big deal but imagine how Rose would have felt if she knew how her thirteen-year-old daughter bravely testified after being racially discriminated against.
Imagine how you would feel if it were your daughter.
Recognizing the courage of a thirteen-year-old would also acknowledge the importance of young people in our community and sets a great example for them and for all of us to stand up to speak for the truth and to try to make things better.
There has been much support for the name of “Rosebelle Park” from city advisory boards and many residents.
If you agree and wish to express your opinion to the city you can:
- Attend the October 20th Lafayette City Council meeting and speak during the public input period. The city council meets at the city hall at 1290 S. Public Rd.
- Submit emails to the city council or submit written public comment. www.lafayetteco.gov/247/city-council
Again, just my humble, individual opinion.
Roy Johnson, 44 year resident of Lafayette.
NOTES: The spelling, “Rosebelle”, is the correct spelling. Her granddaughter and great-grandson clarified this to me on April 23, 2026. There was (there still is in some sources) some discrepancy regarding the spelling of her name. Some sources indicate that it was Rosabelle, some Rosebell, some Rosebelle. Even some City of Lafayette sources spell her name differently in different areas. Sources indicate that she married Leo Vargas and is buried in Lafayette cemetery. I have seen her headstone in Lafayette Cemetery which says, “Rosebelle Vargas Jan. 6, 1922 May 21, 1993.” Also, noted local historian Doug Conarroe, in his book Lost Lafayette Colorado, states that it is spelled “Rosebelle.”
Thanks to Frank Archuleta, Doug Conarroe, Melissa Hisel, Rachel Hanson, and others for their research and work.
I spoke to Rosebelle’s granddaughter and great grandson who are greatly in favor of the naming of the park after Rosebelle.
