Down Stream to be named for former city staffer

The Environmental Commission unanimously voted last week to recommend naming an unnamed creek tributary in Battle Bend Park after former Watershed Protection Department employee Nicholas Down. Down, who joined the city department in 2014, recently died of cancer at the much-too-young age of 28. “He is sorely missed by his teammates,” Environmental Officer Chris Herrington said. “He was so helpful and hardworking.” The stream, which is near Down’s home, recently underwent an ecological restoration. Down’s wife, Stephanie, spoke to the Environmental Commission to express her thanks for honoring her husband in such an appropriately punny way. Down’s sister, Lisa Down Franknecht, said, “Our family will forever cherish this stream as a way to commemorate Nicholas.”