Centre Wellington’s first fully accessible playground was opened at Stait Park here on Sept. 15.
The Rotary Playground is designed to allow children and adults of all abilities to play and learn together.
Among the unique features of the $200,000 playground are an accessible swing, use of ramps rather than stairs, and a poured rubber surface which allows wheelchair users to access the entire structure.
Funds for the park were provided from various sources, including fundraising efforts by a local group known as Power of Play, $80,000 from the Ontario Trillium foundation and $50,000 from the Rotary Club of Fergus Elora.
Andy Speers, who spearheaded the Power of Play organization, thanked a lengthy list of contributors, making special mention of the contribution of local Rotarians.
“I can’t say enough about the Rotary Club,” he stated.
Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj said, “It’s very special to be a part of a group and community effort to bring joy to so many children and parents.”
Among those attending the park opening was Fergus native Patrick Anderson, a four-time Paralympic medalist with Canada’s national wheelchair basketball team.
A section of the park contains a plaque detailing Anderson’s inspirational story.
Speers said Anderson, a boyhood friend, was among the inspirations for the accessible playground project.
“He has the strength to inspire everyone,” said Speers, adding, “He is a true hero to me.”
Anderson, who travelled from New York for the opening, recalled growing up in Fergus and playing hockey against Speers, who was from Elora.
“I didn’t have any inkling or way of knowing that an Elora boy would build such a great thing in Fergus,” Anderson quipped.
He added, “My family and I have benefitted from the commitment and compassion and support of this community for many years. Hopefully this park is going to be used by lots of people.”
