The late Mayor Wally Nichols will be remembered by those walking the Avenue of the Fountains Plaza with the dedication of a portion of the plaza in Nichols’ name.

The Town Council voted unanimously Sept. 18 to honor Nichols by naming a section of the Avenue Plaza “Wally Nichols Plaza.”

The designated section for honoring Nichols in in the west section of the Avenue Plaza between Verde River and La Montana drives. It is approximately halfway on the plaza at the site of one of the fountains.

“I’m here to support the naming for Wally Nichols Plaza,” said former Mayor Jay Schlum, who succeeded Nichols in office. “I am a huge fan of Wally, I think we all think the world of [him].

“Without Wally we would not be in this Town Hall; he brought financial stability. He left us way better for his effort. He’s one of our favorite mayors.”

Former Councilman Rick Melendez, now honorary consul for his native El Salvador, said he met Nichols while Melendez was serving on the council. He said he noticed a man sitting in the back taking notes and walked up and introduced himself.

“We became close friends,” Melendez said. “It was an honor to have worked with him.”

Councilman Henry Leger came to the council while Nichols was mayor.

“It was a privilege knowing and working with Mayor Nichols,” Leger said. “He came to the job at a tumultuous time and brought stability and sanity.”

Mayor Linda Kavanagh cited Nichols’ work to bring the Boys & Girls Club McKee Branch to Fountain Hills with his behind-the-scenes work and fundraising.

“He cared enough to work very hard to make sure the club was available to the kids,” Kavanagh said.

Earlier this year the Town Council determined that it would designate six segments along the Avenue of the Fountains Plaza that can be named in honor of citizens. The first was named for Mayor Sharon Morgan which is the area on the far east end with the three-tiered fountain and Rotary Clock.

A dedication for the Morgan recognition is expected sometime in October, according to Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin. A ceremony for Nichols is undetermined at this time.