City honors outgoing Vice Mayor Martin by renaming Fairview Park center

Columbia City Council concluded its regular meeting this week by bidding a fond farewell to its long-serving Columbia Vice Mayor Christa Martin, and in a big way.

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder announced the city has decided to surprise Martin by renaming a park community center that has been especially near and dear to her heart. The Fairview Park Community Center will soon read its new title as The Dr. Christa Secrest Martin Community Center as a tribute to her 30 years of service.

After five years, as well as nearly $250,000 spent for renovations, including the center's kitchen, restrooms, ballroom and foyer, it is now one of the most-used park centers for special events, weddings and recreational activities.

Not only will this be a lasting example of her legacy for years to come, it also wasn't easy keeping the surprise a secret from the outgoing vice mayor, Molder said.

"Keeping a secret from Christa Martin is not an easy thing, let me tell you," Molder said. "But it's been a fun project to work on. I think it is so appropriate, but more importantly, it has been fun serving with [her]. Tonight has been an important night to honor the service that Christa Martin has given to this community."

Martin indeed was surprised at the announcement, moving her to tears. She also joked about how it isn't easy keeping such a big secret from her, as one of her passions has been staying involved in nearly all aspects of city business.

"I am never unaware of what's going on with city council, so I can say, 'You got me,'" Martin joked.

In addition, Martin was also presented with an honorary plaque in appreciation and recognition from the city.

Though she is retiring after 30 years on city council, Martin will continue serving on the city's planning commission, fulfilling an unexpired term through December of 2023, which will be left vacant by incoming vice mayor Randy McBroom, who will be sworn into office in January.

Martin concluded Thursday's meeting by giving a speech thanking city staff, friends, citizens and her family for their support for her role in civil service all these years.

"To work with city council for 30 years was priceless," Martin said. "I cannot leave here without thanking the multiple department heads who made many strategic and creative decisions for Columbia, and the hundreds of employees that did the work for our citizens.

"The current leadership at the City of Columbia, from the City Manager Tony Massey and his department heads, I owe you a big thank you for always answering my questions with details and a smile."

Martin also read a long list of accomplishments city council has made during her tenure, from street paving to creating new jobs, city park renovations, new fire stations and other infrastructure.

"My city council goal was one big goal, and it was simple, just leave Columbia better than you found it," Martin said. "May you have enough happiness to keep you happy, trials to keep you strong, sorrow to keep you human, hope to keep you thoughtful, failure to keep you humble, success to keep you eager, friends to give you comfort, faith and courage in yourself and to encourage others and wealth to keep your daily needs and enough determination to make each day better than yesterday. Today and you always wish the very best that life can bring you in everything you do for Columbia.

"Thank you, and God bless Columbia, the state of Tennessee and the United States of America. It's been a great ride, and I thank you so much."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: City honors outgoing Vice Mayor Martin by renaming Fairview Park center