Walking Bridge Dedicated to Bill Thorpe
The 1905 foot Fredericton Walking Bridge (the old rail bridge) that connects Fredericton's North and South sides as it spans across the mighty Saint John River will be renamed Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge. The New Brunswick Trails Council would like to invite you to a dedication ceremony set for June 07 2008 at 2 p.m. commencing on the South-End of the Fredericton Walking Bridge.
William Wellington (Bill) Thorpe (1933-2006) was well known for a great many reasons. He had an extensive career at the Fredericton High School as teacher and vice principal. Bill was a sports enthusiast and participant, especially with respect to playing, coaching and promoting rugby. A Municipal politician, Bill served as City Councilor and a few years as the Deputy Mayor of Fredericton. He was founder (1972) and a member of the board for Fredericton Heritage Trust.
An advocate of walking trails throughout our city and province, Bill Thorpe was truly the father of the Fredericton Trail System. He had a vision to preserve and develop abandoned rail beds into safe recreational pathways for citizens and visitors in the City of Fredericton. To accomplish this, he gave birth to the Fredericton Trails Coalition and surrounded himself with colleagues who were inspired by his dedication, hard work and stubborn determination. His contribution has created a superb legacy to Fredericton's rich heritage: a first class trail network.
Please join us as the Fredericton Trails Council offers tribute to Bill Thorpe for his vision, passion and dedication to Fredericton's trail system.
For further information please contact the New Brunswick Trails Council at 1-800-526-7070 or by email.
Information for this news story: Fredericton Trails Coalition - Patty Trail (contact by email) and Google Search: Fredericton Heritage Trust and Bill Thorpe Eulogy.
