PARIS — Paris has marked August 13 as a day of commemoration for the 50th anniversary of the federal Clean Water Act.

Just steps from busy Route 26 in South Paris sits the Paris River Park, along a peaceful stretch of the Little Androscoggin River. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat

The Paris River Park Committee is inviting the Oxford Hills community to a day-long gathering at the park at Paris Hill Road, starting at 10 a.m. where, on land they will host a scavenger hunt, games for all ages and presentations on the history of river pollution, U.S. Senator Edmund Muskie’s signature legislative accomplishment and how it brought about a rebirth of the Little Androscoggin.

Water activities will include a fly-fishing demonstration by Glenn Tippy of Trout Unlimited, and paddling as water levels permit.

Carol Rice (left) and Jacalyn Lynch, members of the Paris River Park Committee, talk about the upcoming anniversary of the 1972 Clean Water Act, which will be held at the seven acre park on August 13. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat

According to committee members Carol Rice and Jacalyn Lynch, lunch will be provided to all who pre-register by emailing info@wfltmaine.org. To learn more about the day’s events people may visit Western Foothills Land Trust’s events page at https://www.wfltmaine.org/programs. Water will be provided for drinking, but to reduce trash they ask that people bring their own water bottles to fill.

The Clean Water Act was introduced as a bill in Congress by Muskie, who would also guide it to become law through an override of President Richard Nixon’s veto.

The Little Androscoggin flows through Oxford Hills from Bryant Pond in Woodstock to Auburn as a tributary of the Androscoggin River. While the Little Androscoggin never hosted paper plants approaching the size of those in Rumford, Livermore, Jay or Lisbon, the smaller watershed supported textile, leather, paper and other manufacturing mills for generations.

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The Paris River Park Committee wants to see the park and waterway more actively utilized by the public and hopes its August 13 celebration attracts new fans to enjoy it.

Paris’ River Park will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Clean Water Act on August 13. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat

“It’s interesting how often people say, ‘gee, it’s such a nice place, I never knew it was here,’” said Rice. “And it is a nice place!”

“It’s close to apartments (in South Paris),” Lynch pointed out. “It’s a really nice way for people who live in area to get some fresh air and to see nature. You’ll see more than you think you will, even though it’s downtown.”

Blankets of aquatic plant life like water lilies and pickerel weed growing along the Little Androscoggin River as it meanders by Paris River Park are a testament to the success of the 1972 Clean Water Act. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat

“We encourage people of all ages to use the park,” Rice added. “It’s an easily accessible spot for residents of nearby long term care facilities who like to fish. People in nursing homes – many have spent their lives outdoors and this park can really add to their quality of life.”

The seven acre Paris River Park was established on the former grounds of the Paris Water District on Paris Hill Road as part of the town’s 2011 comprehensive plan. Current members of Paris River Park Committee are Rice, Lynch, Carl Costanzi and Paris Recreation Director Candice Jack. Other planners of the August 13 park celebration include Chantelle Hay of the Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District and Lee Dassler of Western Foothills Land Trust.

The Paris River Park is home to local wildlife of all sizes. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat

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