Martínez Park

Corner of Pennsylvania Avenue & Church Street, Redlands, CA

Martínez Park honors two brothers, Norman N. Martínez and Oddie J. Martínez, whose decades of civic leadership, military service, education, and community involvement helped shape modern Redlands. In May 2024, the Redlands City Council passed a resolution renaming the park in their honor, and the community celebrated the change with a dedication ceremony held on Saturday, September 28th, 2024.

Honoring Redlands’ First Two Latino City Council Members

Norman and Oddie Martínez both grew up in Redlands’ citrus industry, following their father into grove management before going on to become trailblazers in the city’s political, educational, and civic life. Together, they represent the first two Latin American members ever elected to the Redlands City Council [page:1].

Norman N. Martínez (1925–1998)

Norman was a lifelong resident of Redlands and a World War II veteran who served aboard U.S. Navy PT boats in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1946. For 36 years, he worked as a salesman for the Jim Glaze Lincoln/Mercury dealership while dedicating himself to public service and community organizing.

First Latin American elected to the Redlands City Council, serving 1958–1970
Served as Vice Mayor (Mayor Pro Tem) of Redlands during his tenure
Co-founded and served as president of the Redlands Boys Club
Led the Kiwanis Club and the Redlands Pony League Baseball program
Served on the boards of the House of Neighborly Service, the Red Cross, and the Community Chest
Charter member of American Legion Post 650 since 1949; rose to state vice-commander, commander, and district commander
Also active in the 40 & 8 Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars

Oddie J. Martínez (1928–1995)

Oddie also grew up working in Redlands’ citrus groves before serving in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1949, stationed on Iwo Jima in Aviation and Intelligence Service. He was the first Commander of American Legion Post 650 and remained a lifelong advocate for veterans. He went on to earn a master’s degree in administration from the University of Redlands, with additional graduate study at Claremont Graduate School and the University of Oregon.

Second Latin American to serve on the Redlands City Council, 1978–1985
Redlands’ first Latino mayor (1978) and the first mayor from the north side of town
Taught at McKinley Elementary and Cope Junior High
Served as principal at McKinley, Mariposa, and Cram elementary schools
Coordinated foreign language programs and directed Title I programs for Redlands Unified School District
Visiting lecturer at the University of Redlands, UC Riverside, Cal State San Bernardino, and San Bernardino Valley College
Served on the boards of the House of Neighborly Service, the YMCA, the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way

A Shared Legacy

Between them, the Martínez brothers gave more than four combined decades to the Redlands City Council, alongside lifelong commitments to veterans’ causes, youth sports, education, and community nonprofits. Their story reflects the broader history of Redlands’ citrus-working families and the generation of leaders who emerged from that community to shape the city’s civic institutions.

Visiting Martínez Park

Martínez Park is located at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Church Street and offers community programs and recreational amenities throughout the year. For more information about programs available at the park, call 909-798-7572 or 909-798-7579.

An 18.2 acre park with lighted baseball fields, picnic and playground facilities.

Ball Fields will be open for reservations during:

Monday-Friday 4:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday 8:00am-3:00pm.

Baseball fields are open during reservations only, to reserve a Martinez Park ball field click here

Community Park Map