Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Mr. Scoops, a longtime fixture at the entrance of Kel-mor, a gravel pit on Promontory Road in Chilliwack, has been relocated to his new home at the Bill Kelly Park, 9145 Corbould Street, in Chilliwack. The City of Chilliwack will celebrate Mr. Scoops and the generous philanthropist, Bill Kelly, who contributed over $250,000 towards various play structures around the Landing Leisure Centre, including the accessible playground, and the “Junior Diggers” playground.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Mr. Scoops' new home at Bill Kelly Park

City invites public to celebrate Bill Kelly Park in Chilliwack, the new home of Mr. Scoops

Jun 20, 2023 | 4:13 PM

CHILLIWACK — For years, a metal concoction with backhoe buckets for hands welcomed customers near the entrance to Kel-mor, a gravel pit on Promontory Road in Chilliwack.

Now that Mr. Scoops has a permanent home behind the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, the time is right for the City of Chilliwack to usher in a celebration of Bill Kelly Park.

Members of the public are invited to join the City in a celebration of the generous philanthropist and the park bearing his namesake on Tuesday, June 27 at 3:30 p.m. at Bill Kelly Park, 9145 Corbould Street. The celebration will feature a formal ribbon cutting, hot dogs, and refreshments at the park with Mayor Ken Popove and council members, along with Bill Kelly himself.

According to a statement from the city, in the past four years, Bill Kelly has contributed over $250,000 towards various play structures around the Landing Leisure Centre, including the accessible playground, and the “Junior Diggers” playground. The accessible playground was created with universal design principles to offer unique play value and experiences for children of all ages and abilities. The Junior Diggers playground features three excavator-themed play structures to reflect Bill Kelly’s longstanding local business.

“We are grateful to Bill Kelly for his contributions to the Landing,” said Mayor Popove. “These park improvements will have a lasting impact on Chilliwack’s youth.”

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In addition to his financial contributions to the park, Bill Kelly donated “Mr. Scoops”, a long-time Chilliwack fixture known to many. Mr. Scoops was originally named by the community, in reference to his bucket scoop hands, and in spring 2023, he was installed near the park for families to continue to enjoy.

“Mr. Scoops is back to greet his old friends!” said Bill Kelly.