The sun was shining Wednesday as Greater Sudbury marked a significant milestone: 100 years of recreation and nature at Bell Park. “Beautiful space to take in nature, to take in the lake, to go for a swim and to experience the best of Sudbury,” said Kevin Despot, a member of the Bell Park advisory panel. In 1926, community builders William and Katherine Bell donated 110 acres along the Western shores of Ramsey Lake to what was then called the Town of Sudbury. Their vision was that it be used as municipal greenspace for members of the public to enjoy in perpetuity. “It’s important that we celebrate (Bell Park) together and we don’t lose sight of what it means to us,” said Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “Sometimes we take it for granted -- that’s why we need to celebrate it, recognize it and really think how ... to preserve it and make it even better for the next generation.” The city held an event at the William Bell Gazebo to mark the anniversary. Those in attendance included dignitaries, current and former neighbours of the park and children from a nearby day camp who helped plant a commemorative oak tree. Despot told the crowd that his family moved to the neighbourhood in 1976, and Bell Park has played a “key part” in his life. “There used to be a series of paths that went through the bush over there. You couldn’t get to Science North, but we would try to get as far as we could either on our bicycles or on foot,” he told CTV News. “It was a much different park back then.” “It’s always been well kept, well looked after and it is an absolute jewel,” former mayor Marianne Matichuk said. Matichuk said she spent her teenage years with Bell Park in her backyard after her parents moved to the neighbourhood. As a former mayor, she has been involved in many community events held there. “We had the first Indigenous First Nations Festival ever and I was invited to that,” she said. “It was wonderful to see our community and our ethnic groups coming together because that’s what Sudbury is all about.” To mark the 100th anniversary, centennial flags and banners are being displayed across the park. Residents are also invited to share photos and memories on social media using the hashtag #BellPark100. “Bell Park is truly a jewel within the Nickel City,” Despot said.
