On Friday, Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean visited Kennedy Park in Lewiston to rally the party faithful for the upcoming election. He spoke of electing Sen. Barack Obama to the White House. He spoke of electing Rep. Tom Allen to the Senate.

He spoke from the steps of a dilapidated gazebo, which looks like it hasn’t had any tenderness, loving or care since the last Democratic president was in office.

Dean appeared in the park because its namesake, John F. Kennedy, and the connection between the young, idealistic, Democratic upstart Massachusetts senator’s presidential aspirations and those of a certain young, idealistic, Democratic upstart Illinois senator.

By invoking Kennedy with his visit, Dean honored the former president’s legacy, much as the city of Lewiston did by naming the park in his memory.

But, just like memories, paint jobs can fade. This election year, with the spirit of John F. Kennedy lingering over the presidential campaign, is the perfect time to locally honor his legacy by restoring the gazebo in the park.

There are practical reasons too. Many amenities in Kennedy Park are improved – the skate park, new playground equipment, basketball courts. The park looks good, but the gazebo’s decay is bordering on eyesore.

It deserves some attention.