Dick Bell Park, Public green space on Ottawa River, Canada
Dick Bell Park covers 18 hectares (45 acres) on the southern shore of the Ottawa River at 3259 Carling Avenue, Nepean. It is bordered by Carling Avenue to the south, Rocky Point to the west and Andrew Haydon Park to the east, the two parks separated by a small stream crossed by a wood and metal bridge. The Nepean Sailing Club is based in the park.
The park is named after Dick Bell, who sat in the Canadian House of Commons from 1957 to 1963 and again from 1965 to 1968. He served in John Diefenbaker's Conservative cabinet as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration from 1962 to 1963.
The Nepean Sailing Club is based in the park at 3259 Carling Avenue, and its members sail on the Ottawa River from the club's site on the southern shore. The club's presence explains the masts and boats visible along the waterfront, and the park's free admission and parking make it easy for visitors to watch the activity from shore.
Free parking is available on Carling Avenue, with vehicles required to leave before park closure. Visitors should know that cyclists must dismount their bikes and dogs face restrictions in certain areas.
In 2009 Ottawa allowed leashed dogs in Dick Bell Park as a one-year pilot project aimed at the Canada geese whose droppings covered the grass and paths; the rule was later extended indefinitely. Cyclists must walk their bikes through the whole park.
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