MARQUETTE — The Marquette City Commission approved a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to rename the Marquette Skate Plaza to the Nheena Weyer Ittner Skate Park.

Its endorsement included several letters of recommendation from community leaders. Ittner was instrumental in both proposing the idea of a permanent skate park and in the fundraising to make the facility a reality.

“Her commitment to serving the youth of this community and unique skill at raising funds, combined with her visionary leadership, resulted in a place for the youth of the area to congregate, challenge themselves, socialize and grow,” said the letter from the parks board.

“I remember before the park was built, skateboarders were considered a nuisance,” Mayor Sally Davis said.

Ittner has a proud legacy in Marquette for projects she has spearheaded to benefit children and youth.

“Nheena inspired me to get involved in many community efforts. She’s truly one of Marquette’s gems,” said Commissioner Paul Schloegel.

From the letter requesting the name change: “We can agree and realize when efforts are made toward initiatives like the skate park, the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, Lower Harbor Park and similar efforts, it takes a village, a community, a region … and someone needs to lead. Nheena is a leader. We admire and respect Nheena for her grit, SISU and ‘never give-up’ attitude when it comes to helping and serving the Marquette area, and specifically our youth.”