A newly renovated park was dedicated to one of Belleville’s former city councillors during a Friday afternoon ceremony.
Clifford ‘Sonny’ Belch Park, formerly Hillcrest Park, was renamed to honour the former councillor, who had spent two terms in office before becoming the city’s Chief Administrative Officer. He held the CAO position until his later retirement.
During his time as a councillor, Belch was the Director of Recreation, and served on several boards including the Belleville Public Library Board, Hastings Manor, the Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health Unit Board, and more.
Belch was raised and lived in the Hillcrest community for most of his life, raising two daughters who both attended Hillcrest Public School.
Two-thirds of the park has been completed and is open to the public, featuring basketball courts and walking trails. Additional pickleball courts and a skate dot are scheduled to be completed in 2024.
