This just in, the city is charging a rental fee to the people who are using the park Thursday to pay tribute to William Bell, the man who donated the land to the citizens of Sudbury!!!

I attended a meeting a week ago with people who want to make the former General Hospital property on Paris St. part of Bell Park.

It really seems impossible that the city missed this opportunity. Well, maybe not. People who care about keeping this bit of property for the public good will want to attend a party Thursday, July 29.

This is the invitation: To the Citizens of Sudbury: 

Please join us   

As we celebrate the 152nd Birthday of 

Sudbury businessman and philanthropist

William J. Bell

On Thursday, July 29, 2010

At the William Bell Gazebo, Bell Park

3:00 pm until 6:30 pm

  Free birthday cake, light refreshments and musical entertainment! 

 William Joseph Bell was born July 29th 1858.

In 1926, he donated a large portion of his land to the people of Sudbury, with a covenant for their use and enjoyment for generations to come. Along with the waterfront jewel "Bell Park", William and Katherine Bell provided two other magnificent legacies: Their stately home "Belrock" (which currently houses the Art Gallery of Sudbury), and Memorial Park, a central parkland set aside for the specific purpose of honouring and remembering our local military heros.

Please join us as we commemorate the kindness and generosity of William and Katherine Bell with our families, friends and neighbours.

Donations to

 “The Art Gallery of Sudbury – Restoration Fund” would be greatly appreciated.