Saturday was a winter fun appreciation day at Sudbury's Bell Park thanks to the efforts of the City of Greater Sudbury recreation department along with friends, volunteers and event sponsors.
The event was called Snow Day 2023 and featured a host of outdoor activities, the ability to use free equipment and people on the bus got to ride to Bell Park for free on municipal transit.
Dozens of families showed up to take in the activities which featured skating, snowshoeing, sledding, indoor and outdoor games and free hot chocolate.
Mother Nature chimed in with plenty of snow and some colder temperatures. Moms, Dads and children responded with heavy coats, ski suits, toques, mitts and scarves.
Cindy Dent, the manager of recreation with the City of Greater Sudbury, said she was pleased with the turnout, despite the colder weather the city has experienced.
"Well, you know, we live in the North here in Greater Sudbury and the city and city council are very happy to have people come to our beautiful Bell Park to be able to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of the weather and have some fun and stay active."
The event ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and although people did not head out early, there was still a good showing.
"It was a little quiet this morning, obviously with the temperatures the way they were. But certainly around 11:30 a.m. we started to see more people coming out. Lots of families, even adults just on their own. People were going down the sliding Hill and taking advantage of the snowshoes and all of the other activities we have here today," said Dent.
She added that the feedback from city residents was positive.
"People say they're having a lot of fun. People are very appreciative to be able to come out and enjoy some activities that they might not have tried before. And you know, make the best of a cold day in Greater Sudbury."
