The City of Chilliwack invites the public to celebrate the grand opening of Bill Kelly Park on Tuesday (June 27).
The park is located at 9145 Corbould Street, sandwiched between the Landing Leisure Centre and Exhibition Field. It’s named after Kelly, who donated more than $250,000 towards playground structures over the last four years. An accessible playground offers unique play value and experiences for children of all ages and abilities, while the ‘Junior Diggers’ playground features three excavator-themed play structures to reflect Kelly’s longstanding local business.
“We are grateful to Bill Kelly for his contributions to the Landing,” said Chilliwack mayor Ken Popove. “These park improvements will have a lasting impact on Chilliwack’s youth.”
Kelly, who will be at the grand opening, was the longtime owner of the Kel-Mor gravel pit on Promontory Road, and an old friend of his will stand watch over the park. In 2005, Kelly commissioned Dan Sawatzky of Yarrow-based Imagination Corporation to create a landmark which would act as the sign for the business. Sawatzky built Mr. Scoops, and eight-foot-tall robot with backhoe buckets for hands. In early May, Mr. Scoops was transported across town and placed atop a pillar outside the archway entrance. The pillar he’s sitting on has been graphically wrapped to pay tribute to Kel-Mor.
“Mr. Scoops is back to greet his old friends,” Kelly said.
The grand opening of Bill Kelly Park starts at 3:30 p.m. on June 27. The celebration will feature a formal ribbon cutting, hot dogs, and refreshments at the park with Kelly, Popove and Chilliwack councillors.
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