LYAC Parking Naming Contest Renders "Mike McGraw Park"

At the February 12, 2022, Healthy Neighborhoods grand opening of the sledding hill at the City of Lewiston’s new athletic park on Bartlett Street, Mayor Carl Sheline announced the official name of the new park:  MIKE MCGRAW PARK. Lewiston Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) member Cadence Nadeau then spoke on behalf of the youth council’s park naming contest, rendering that selection. 

A park naming contest was undertaken by LYAC in the fall of 2021, & they received 39 different entries through an online form and regular mail. They picked their “stand out” Top 3, and on January 26, 2022, LYAC members interviewed representatives of their Top 3 choices. Ultimately, Mike McGraw Park was chosen by LYAC. A recommendation in that regard went before the Lewiston City Council on February 1, 2022, and Lewiston’s elected officials enthusiastically approved the name. 

Per LYAC, the name was selected due to "Mike McGraw’s welcoming, caring, and life-changing impact on youth within the City of Lewiston as a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. LYAC members agreed that Mike McGraw has epitomized the importance of persevering and encouraging others to do their personal best; has inspired countless youth & adults through his leadership and building bridges of respect and trust; has demonstrated the spirit of healthy competition; has emulated an unwavering work ethic; has unified award-winning athletic teams; and continues to substitute teach during retirement. He is still the teacher/coach whom individuals come back to see 10 to 25 years after graduation. LYAC also believed his contributions to Lewiston High School and the physical proximity of the new athletic park complemented each other well."  

During the announcement, Mayor Carl Sheline said it was his pleasure to announce that “in honor of a gentleman who has been an exemplary coach, teacher, friend, and mentor to countless students within the Lewiston Public School System, this park will be named “Mike McGraw Park.”  LYAC’s Nadeau spoke on behalf of the youth council, “We want to personally thank him for everything he has given our students and community members for so many years.”  McGraw spoke after the announcement, noting he was humbled by the honor and thanked all those who have supported his efforts, youth, and the community throughout the years.  A video of his remarks can be viewed at Mike McGraw's Comments at Event