On Saturday afternoon (August 27, 2022) I was pleased to attend the official opening for Dawdy Park, located at 80 Hartley Avenue in Paris. This new park is named in honour of Wilton Dawdy, who was a very active member of the Paris Optimist Club. In addition to members of Mr. Dawdy’s family and the Optimist Club, Mayor David Bailey, Councillor Marc Laferriere, County Staff, three of the other candidates for Councillor Ward 2 (Jay Arora, Faizan Baig and Lukas Oakley) attended along with members of the public.

When I wasn’t busy trying out the brand new park facilities (including outdoor fitness equipment, pickleball courts, a basketball court and outdoor ping pong table!), I was able to chat with quite a few people. This is a wonderful new green space in Ward 2 and I am happy to report the park has both a junior and a senior children’s playground!