Auburn, Maine, fields at Pettengill Park named after shooting victims

AUBURN, Maine — The city of Auburn honored two victims killed in the Lewiston shooting by dedicating two fields in Pettengill Park in their memory.

The City inaugurated the Tricia Asselin Memorial Field and the Joe Walker Memorial Field on Sunday.

Both Asselin and Walker were regulars at Pettengill Park, where they played softball for years. Those who play on the fields will help preserve their legacy.

“There have been a lot of tough days, and today is a big day,” said Bobbi Nichols, Asselin’s sister. Nichols was at the bowling alley with his sister at the time of the shooting.

“My life is very hard without her because, you know, you can’t replace your sister,” she said. However, Nichols said the days she remembers Asselin's selfless and caring heart are days she cherishes.

“I know my sister’s heart and she feels it. She feels it. She’s here and she’s so proud, and I’m so proud of her,” Nichols said.

Joe Walker's family was also present at the ceremony. His wife, Tracey, said some days are harder than others.

“We wake up trying to face the day because we know he didn't want us to be sad all the time,” Tracey said.

The Walker family was emotional when the sign was unveiled, but Tracey said it reminded her of the joyful life he led.

“It’s great to know that the community is there for us, and I think they will always be there for us,” she said. “It’s one of the grounds that he played a lot of his matches on, and it’s great that they dedicated that area to him.

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