Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Paramount public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in parks rec
Historic preservation and oral history project
The council got a look at the finished 1970-1999 historic context statement and an overview of historic preservation ordinances, and agreed to keep moving toward a possible local ordinance with incentives like Mills Act property tax relief.
Paramount Park Playground Matting Replacement
The rubberized safety matting at Paramount Park is being replaced for about $38,000 — good news for families who use the playground.
Santa Train Stop Relocation to Orange Avenue
Staff recommended moving the popular Santa train stop from Murray Street to 15328 Orange Avenue, cutting the number of affected homes from 159 to 74 and keeping a lane open for emergency vehicles. The council agreed to try it for the upcoming holiday season.
Hay Tree Public Market Public Art Selection
"Thriving Paramount" by Adrian Litman won the council's unanimous pick for the community room wall, chosen from three finalists for its sweeping historical imagery. The council wants revisions — cutting filler images and the white squiggle lines — with input from the Historical Society.
COVID-19 Memorial Planning
The city wants a permanent memorial to the 222 residents lost to COVID-19, likely a sculpture with roses (a nod to the original rose garden promise), resident-submitted poems, and a virtual wall where families can voluntarily add names.
Spane Park Learning Center mural
The council couldn't settle on one of three finalist mural designs, so it handed the decision back — MUSA, the women's group that originally asked for the mural, will weigh in with the artists before a final choice.
Hay Tree Pocket Park design unveiled
Conceptual renderings show a mini park with outdoor dining, a lawn, playful cow-themed art and the historic hay tree preserved — but no construction funding has been identified yet.
2026 Community Events Calendar
The 2026 lineup includes Friday Night Paramount, a 5K, summer movies and concerts, the Heritage Festival, Halloween events, and the second annual Snowfest — plus a moved December council meeting.