Former City Councilor Mark W. Paradis’ legacy will be highlighted at a May 6 dedication of a park named in his memory.  The current non-smoking Mark W. Paradis Park—formerly Pierce Street Park—has been revitalized through tireless efforts of the Downtown Neighborhood Action Committee, supported by the Lewiston City Council, the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council and other community partners such as The Root Cellar.

The 4:30 p.m. dedication will include music by the Lewiston High School Chamber Singers, food donated by the Italian Bakery, and a youth council “DO YOU DO LEW” shirt raffle to secure additional funds for park soccer balls/nets.

Speakers will include Deputy City Administrator Phil Nadeau; Paradis’ good friend Attorney Thomas Peters; Nairus Abdullahi, chair of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council; Root Cellar Executive Director Joel Furrow; and Paradis’ widow, Ronella Paradis, who will be accompanied by her son, Phillip. The unveiling of a related Bartlett Street sign will also take place. Following the dedication ceremony, The Root Cellar will facilitate a BBQ for attendees to enjoy.

At the recommendation of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council, the park was officially named in memory of Paradis by the Lewiston City Council at its December 18, 2012, meeting.  LYAC previously sponsored a “Name That Park” renaming contest for K-6 Lewiston students in an effort to give the former Pierce Street Park a more attention-getting name.

The winning entry was that of student Nicole Morin whose entry stated, “The late Mark Paradis lived in Lewiston all his life and contributed much of his life to the community. In his last days running for Mayor, his ultimate goal was to bring our community together once again. What better way to represent his dream that providing a place, named in his honor, where the community comes to gather.”

Paradis served three terms as a Lewiston City Councilor. His service also included the Downtown Advisory Board; Lewiston Mill Redevelopment Corporation; Planning Board; Auburn-Lewiston Airport Committee; Finance Committee; Lewiston Urban Civic Center Enterprises, LLC; Citizen Application Review Committee; and the Taxi License Appeals Board. At the time of his passing in 2011, Paradis was running for the office of mayor of Lewiston, a long-time dream of his.