The George Morales Dove Springs Gym has Been Renamed
Emerson Anderson poses with plaque of Anderson Nov. 15, 2024.
As the new name, D’Wayne Anderson Gymnasium was revealed on a sleek sign above the entrance, applause and cheers filled the air, mingling with a few tears.
“This is not just deserved, it’s well earned,” said Tiffany Cabin, a long-time friend and coworker of Anderson. “He put his heart and soul into ensuring that this was a really positive environment for kids to develop, learn and grow.”
On Friday, the southeast Austin community gathered to honor the legacy of D’Wayne Anderson, a man who spent 23 years working for Austin Parks and Recreation. In October 2023, Cabin spoke before the Parks and Recreation Board to advocate for the renaming of the gym in Anderson’s honor.
Co-workers, friends, family and mentees were invited to testify about Anderson’s legacy and they all told the story of Anderson’s lasting impact on them.
“I was just making sure that I was capturing all of D’wayne’s qualities and the love and care that he had for this community,” Cabin said, “I wanted to make sure that it resonated through the application process.”
Cabin said that the board decision was unanimous.
The gym’s new name was unveiled at the George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center in Southeast Austin on Friday, Nov. 15.
The gym was filled with excitement and laughter as the Austin community gathered together to celebrate the occasion. The City of Austin officials like Sheriff George Morales, and interim park director Angela Means spoke about Anderson’s legacy and stated how it is an honor to be a part of the process
“He was the first one to put my name up there,” said Morales referring to when the Dove Spring Recreational Center was renamed after him in 2019. “This is not just an honor you give to someone. This is an honor that was earned.”
After the new sign was unveiled the atmosphere was a mix of laughter and tears. For many the renaming solidifies Anderson’s passion for the Dove Springs Community.
Anderson’s friends and family say they hope his legacy will live on through the gym, inspiring everyone who enters the space will strive for their personal best and positively impact others, just as Anderson always encouraged.
“Thank you for this honor to our friend D’wyane,” Morales said.