Golden Gate Park's Stow Lake Renamed Blue Heron Lake

The renaming reflects the antisemitic history of the lake's namesake and the presence of nesting herons at the lake.

Golden Gate Park's Stow Lake has been officially renamed Blue Heron Lake after a seven-month debate.
The renaming was initiated due to the antisemitic history of the lake's namesake, Gold Rush-era state Assembly Speaker William W. Stow.
The new name, Blue Heron Lake, was chosen by the SF Rec and Parks Commission, and it reflects the presence of great blue herons that have been nesting at the lake since at least 1993.
The renaming will also affect the boathouse at the lake and the road encircling it.
Supervisor Myrna Melgar, who initiated the renaming, collected suggestions for a new name through an online poll, but the final decision was made by the Recreation and Park Commission.