Image: City of Chilliwack / Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove (3rd from right) is pictured with Bill Kelly (2nd from right) and fellow councillors near Bill Kelly Park.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Hot dog birthday lunch

Chilliwack philanthropist to host free hot dog lunch this Friday

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CHILLIWACK — A Chilliwack philanthropist who has generously contributed to various play structures around Chilliwack wants to give back in a small but meaningful way this Friday.

The City of Chilliwack says Bill Kelly, whose generosity has paved the way for several playgrounds throughout the city, would like to invite the community to celebrate his birthday at Bill Kelly Park Friday, Aug. 22 from noon to 2 p.m. for free hot dogs. The park is located at 9145 Corbould Street.

In the past six years, Kelly has donated over $450,000 towards various play structures around the Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre, including an accessible playground, and the “Junior Diggers” playground.

Image: City of Chilliwack / An accessible playground swing at Bill Kelly Park in Chilliwack.

The accessible playground was created with Universal Design principles to offer unique play value and experiences for children of all ages and abilities.

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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,” Mayor Ken Popove said in March 2025. “The addition of a fully accessible swing to our community demonstrates our continued commitment to accessibility and inclusion in Chilliwack.”

In addition to his financial contributions to the park, 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.