In partnership with the Riverview Park and Zoo, the Rotary Club of Peterborough has announced its next legacy project: a completely redesigned accessible playground at the zoo, along with a community campaign to raise $1.5 million for its construction.
The plans for the new Rotary Accessible Playground and the fundraising campaign were revealed at a media event at the Riverview Park and Zoo on Thursday (August 14).
Designed to allow people of all abilities and all ages to enjoy the space, the accessible playground would include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, and shady spaces with sight lines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.
The connection between the Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park and Zoo has a long history, as the zoo was founded in 1933 by Rotarian Ross Dobbin, who was president of Peterborough’s water utility at the time.
“(Ross Dobbin) attended a water works conference in Florida and was unexpectedly gifted two alligators,” said Rotary president Tony Grady. “That unusual beginning sparked a tradition. Over the next three decades, orphaned and injured animals found a home here, and what started as a modest collection grew into the beloved Riverview Park and Zoo we know today.”
The plans for the accessible playground were originally developed through community consultation in 2018. In 2024, Riverview Park and Zoo manager curator Cathy Mitchell presented the concept for the project to the Rotary Club of Peterborough.
“These engineered playground plans were created to address the diverse needs of our community, bringing all ages and all abilities together for outdoor recreation and play,” Mitchell said. “Thanks to Rotary and this legacy commitment, we are able to move forward, remove barriers, and make it happen.”
Under the leadership of former president Betty Halman-Plumley, Rotary conducted a comprehensive outreach process to decide on club’s next legacy project, connecting with community members, local groups, and organizations to listen to their ideas, insights, needs, and possible projects.
“Rotary is thrilled to take the lead in making this playground accessible because we believe everyone and every child deserves a place to play, learn, and grow — regardless of ability,” Halman-Plumley said. “This project reflects our commitment to inclusion, community service, and building spaces where everyone feels welcome.”
The community campaign to raise $1.5 million for the Rotary Accessible Playground is called Project ROAR, with the Rotary Club of Peterborough encouraging people to make donations at peterboroughrotary.ca/page/rotary-accessible-playground.
Halman-Plumley said Rotary will match all donations to a maximum of $125,000 this year.
In addition to donating directly to Project ROAR, members of the community can visit Rotary’s website and the Hatch Café at Riverview Park and Zoo to review the plans and designs and share ideas for improvements. People can also support the project by volunteering for on-site tours, fundraising events and special events, or providing in-kind contributions such as writing grant applications.
“Together with the Riverview Park and Zoo we are building more than just a play space — we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community for families to thrive,” Halman-Plumley said.
