Rep. Kelly honors Waldameer's Paul Nelson as first 2022 "Community Champion"

ERIE, PA — On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16) announced that Paul Nelson, owner of Waldameer Park & Water World, is the first 2022 Community Champion.

Mr. Nelson, who began working at the park in 1945 at the age of 11, has shown the Erie community how true loyalty and hard work can transform a neighborhood.  

“I have never met a man so dedicated and humble,” Kelly said about Nelson. “He wakes up every morning and goes to work.  A few years back he showed me his 10-year plan... think about that! A man in his late 80’s with a 10-year plan – it’s truly inspiring."
 
Nelson took over the park in 1965 and has worked tirelessly to improve it for the Erie community. 

“When we started our Community Champion’s citation program, we did it with people like Mr. Nelson in mind,” Kelly said. “Those who continuously give back and inspire the people of the 16th District should be recognized for their great contributions.”

BACKGROUND
The 16th District Community Champion Award is a quarterly citation instituted by the Office of U.S. Representative Mike Kelly in January 2015 to recognize and thank service-minded individuals throughout Pennsylvania's Sixteenth Congressional District for selfless and significant contributions to their surrounding communities. Each winner is presented with an official award plaque from Rep. Kelly’s office, a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol building, and a statement of congratulations entered into the official congressional record.