There are about 4000 children with special needs in the Ottawa region. Identifying adequate recreation and outdoor activities for these kids as a need within the community, a number of local Ottawa Rotary clubs came together and decided to fund a project to build an accessible park to mark the 100th anniversary of Rotary in 2005.
In collaboration with the city of Ottawa and other levels of government, local corporations and charities $800,000 was raised to rework the facilities at the existing Brewer Park near Carleton University. The plan included six separate areas; Tot Lot, Intermediate Play area, Senior Kids Play area, Sports Play area, Shaded Play area and a water playground and also included a rest and supervision area for parents. The playground design focused on accessible and inclusive play opportunities for all children to promote healthy recreation through activities building physical strength and self-confidence within an enjoyable, safe and social environment.
Today the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre, in partner-ship with Rotary, run a program to provide guidance to parents of special needs kids to use the equipment most effectively for the best therapeutic results. The Rotary Centennial Park is recognized as a leading-edge playground and serves as a model for other playgrounds across Canada. It stands today, and will for many years, as an example of the difference that Rotary Clubs can make in their communities.
