By Laura Lubans-Bates, Capricorn Coast Historical Society
Last Sunday morning the monthly Emu Park Lions Club Markets were held at leafy Bell Park. The park will also be the site for the upcoming Lions Oktoberfest on 28 October.
In 1899, the area was originally gazetted as a Reserve for Botanic Gardens and a Public Reserve.
In 1934 the Botanic Gardens were renamed Bell Park, after Emily Jane Bell and her late husband, William Bell.
Emily Bell had been president of the Emu Park Ladies’ Improvement League which had cared for and maintained the reserve.
It became heritage listed in 2003 and remains a popular location for residents and visitors to attend picnics, markets and special events.
