Two years after a community-led campaign began to build a playground where children of all abilities could play together, Jude’s Joy has officially opened at Ennismore Waterfront Park.

While the first barrier-free playground in Selwyn Township has been open to the public since June 19, a grand opening ceremony was held at the park on Friday (September 4), attended by Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, township representatives, project partners, donors, volunteers, and local families.

The playground features poured-in-place rubber surfacing that can be navigated by people using wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices, along with adaptive play equipment that includes an accessible ground-level merry-go-round and sensory elements.

The provincial government provided a $145,300 capital grant through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, while more than $200,000 was raised through community fundraising, donations, and in-kind contributions.

“This project is a true testament to what can be achieved when a community opens its heart and comes together for our kids,” MPP Smith said.

“Jude’s Joy is more than just a playground — it’s a living tribute to love, inclusion, and the simple, priceless joy of play. Our government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, is immensely proud to support this barrier-free space, ensuring Jude’s legacy continues to touch and bring families together across Ennismore and Selwyn Township for years to come.”

The playground was created through a partnership between the Jude’s Joy initiative, Ennismore Optimist Club, and Selwyn Township.

“On behalf of Selwyn Township council, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make Jude’s Joy a reality,” said Mayor Sherry Senis.

“It was wonderful to celebrate the opening of this special playground with the community and see the joy it is already bringing to children and families. This playground is so much more than a place to play. It is a place where everyone is welcome, where children of all abilities can participate together, and where families and community members can create lasting memories.”

Senis added the township is “incredibly proud” of what the community has accomplished.

The project is named for Julie Grant’s son Jude, who has cerebral palsy and developmental delays.

Grant became an advocate for accessible playgrounds after Jude began using a walker and she discovered that sand and wood-chip surfaces commonly used at playgrounds made it difficult for him to move independently and play with his peers.

After learning the closest playgrounds with accessible surfaces were more than 60 kilometres away in Port Hope and Port Perry, Grant created the Accessible Playgrounds Ontario website and an online map identifying accessible playgrounds across the province.

In 2024, she partnered with the Ennismore Optimist Club to launch a campaign to build an inclusive playground at Ennismore Waterfront Park.

The project initially set a fundraising goal of $250,000. By December 2024, community contributions had surpassed $100,000, with support coming from local service clubs, businesses, organizations, and individual donors. By May 2025, the campaign had already raised $170,000, with additional donations bringing the total to $200,000.

Fundraising initiatives over the course of the campaign included pasta dinners, pancake breakfasts, and other community events. Businesses and organizations also provided monetary and in-kind support, including through employee donation-matching programs.

The Ennismore Optimist Club, which had built the previous playground at Ennismore Waterfront Park, played a central role in advancing the project and worked with Grant, community volunteers, and the township throughout its development.

“Jude’s Joy is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision,” Grant said.

“Seeing the playground officially open and watching families experience the space for the first time was an incredibly meaningful moment. The support we received from residents, businesses, organizations, volunteers, and donors has been overwhelming.”

“We are so proud to see this vision become a reality and to know that Jude’s Joy will bring joy, inclusion, and connection to families for years to come,” Grant added.

Along with the playground itself, the project has improved accessibility elsewhere at Ennismore Waterfront Park. Improvements include an accessible parking lot, enhanced washroom accessibility, accessible pathways, and an access mat leading to the water.

Accessible benches, picnic tables, and other amenities have also been added to support visitors of different ages and abilities.

The playground’s layout is intended to encourage children with and without disabilities to play together while also allowing parents, grandparents, and other caregivers with disabilities to participate.

According to Five Counties Children’s Centre, where Jude and his family have received support, accessible and inclusive playgrounds can benefit all children by removing barriers to physical activity and social interaction and by encouraging understanding, empathy, and friendships among children of different abilities.

Selwyn Township, which is inviting the community to come out and explore Jude’s Joy, says more amenities, improvements, and enhancements are being planned for the park.

With the nomination period for the October 26 municipal election having closed on August 21, Peterborough County voters are looking for answers from the now-certified candidates for council.

Residents of the eight municipalities that form Peterborough County — Township of Asphodel-Norwood, Township of Cavan Monaghan, Township of Douro-Dummer, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, Township of North Kawartha, Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, Township of Selwyn, and Municipality of Trent Lakes — will be voting for members of their lower-tier councils whose leadership makes up the membership of county council.

In the multi-part series of stories, kawarthaNOW asked candidates to introduce their campaigns by answering the question “Why are you running for council and what makes you a unique candidate?” and has published their responses verbatim. This series will present candidate responses by municipality.

The Township of Selwyn’s council comprises a mayor, deputy mayor, and three councillors, with one elected in each of three wards: Ennismore Ward (Ward 10), Smith Ward (Ward 20), and Lakefield Ward (Ward 30).

Three positions on council were acclaimed after the closure of the nomination period, as only a single candidate was nominated in each position: incumbent deputy mayor Ron Black was acclaimed as mayor (incumbent mayor Sherry Senis did not seek re-election), incumbent Lakefield Ward councillor John Boyko was acclaimed as deputy mayor, and incumbent Mary Coulas was acclaimed in Ennismore Ward.

Incumbent Smith Ward councillor Brian Henry is seeking re-election, with Mark Eakins challenging him for the seat.

Candidates for Lakefield Ward councillor are Sue Amsbury and Nadine Robinson, with Michael Barrett withdrawing his nomination the day before the nomination period closed.

Mayor

Ron Black (acclaimed)

kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.

Deputy Mayor

John Boyko (acclaimed)

kawarthaNOW did not receive a response prior to publication. This story will be updated with any response provided.

Ennismore Ward (Ward 10)

Mary Coulas (incumbent, acclaimed)

Selwyn deserves thoughtful, hands-on leadership that plans responsibly. I’m seeking re-election to continue to help build a strong, welcoming, and sustainable future for Selwyn.

I bring a combination of professional experience from academia, political and public service, the agricultural sector, and community volunteerism. I’m able to understand complex issues, navigate political institutions, consider multiple viewpoints, and propose practical solutions. I value a listening-first approach, followed by collaboration, and informed decision-making grounded in both evidence-based policy making and local priorities.

My vision is to preserve the character and integrity of Ennismore while enhancing quality of life across Selwyn. My priorities include responsible budgeting and asset management; economic development and local tourism; enhanced resources for staff and municipal service delivery; modernized emergency management and strong support for fire services; meaningful partnerships and reconciliation with Curve Lake and other Indigenous communities; and enhanced library services and outdoor spaces.

Smith Ward (Ward 20)

Mark Eakins

My name is Mark Eakins and I am seeking election for counsellor of Smith Ward SelwynOntario. My education background is university of Toronto economic political science, Durham College diamond triangle program, Humber College BTJ Steamfitter and Millwright.

My background is very diverse and I have worked in numerous fields as an organizer for Ontario pipe trades council 10 years. I was all also a partner in various IRAP projects (Industrial Research Assistance Program) a federally funded organization for inventors and innovators in industrial fields. This experience enabled me to deal with challenges and the skills needed to handle issues new to these capital projects.Team work being a key element to success?

I would like to see general counsel meetings moved back to evening as they were in the past. This would allow public involvement and input without undue hardship, such as time off from your job in order to address issues. The current Tuesday afternoon meetings do not facilitate this function. I feel public opinion is strongly required in matters such as publicly funded construction projects and infrastructure.

There are many issues we face as a municipality and township as a whole, new and old! I view my position if elected to be a conduit between taxpayer and council. I encourage you to keep this thought in mind when voting this October 26 for the upcoming 2026 elections. Your support is appreciated.

Brian Henry (incumbent)

I am running for re-election because there is more work to be done to protect what makes Smith Ward and Selwyn Township a great place to call home, while preparing responsibly for the challenges ahead.

Municipal government is where politics becomes practical. Residents see the results in their roads, emergency services, taxes, municipal services and whether the rural character of their community is being protected. Since being elected in 2022, I have worked to bring a practical, accountable approach to those decisions while remaining accessible to the residents I represent.

What makes me a unique candidate is the combination of Council experience and a career that has crossed borders and taken me from kitchens and classrooms to humanitarian operations and Emergency Operations Centres.

Today, I work in emergency management and humanitarian operations with The Loomex Group, serving as an EOC Director of Operations supporting complex emergencies and community evacuations. That work has taught me to listen, establish priorities, rely on good information, make difficult decisions and remain accountable for the resources entrusted to me.

I bring that same approach to Council.

My priorities include protecting our rural lifestyle, strengthening community and road safety, maintaining service levels while demanding fiscal accountability, creating opportunities for youth, supporting seasonal and rural residents, and strengthening emergency preparedness.

I am not interested in promising everything to everyone. My approach is simple: protect what matters, prepare for what is ahead, spend responsibly and remain accountable to the people you serve.

Lakefield Ward (Ward 30)

Sue Amsbury

Serving in municipal government has been a lifelong dream of mine. I have always wanted the opportunity to sit at the table where decisions are made and help create meaningful, positive change for residents. I believe this is the right time for me to bring my experience, energy and commitment to the council table and work hard for the people of Lakefield.

My uniqueness comes from the combination of my deep roots in this community and the life experience I bring with me. As a fourth-generation Selwyn Township resident, a Lakefield small-business owner, charity work and someone with 35 years of corporate experience working with people at all levels, I understand the value of listening, working together and finding practical solutions. I’m not coming to the table as a career politician, but as someone who genuinely cares about this community and wants to give back to the place I call home.

Nadine Robinson

I grew up in Smith township and live in Lakefield. After living and working abroad, I chose to return to raise my family in Lakefield as it is a vibrant, friendly, safe, walkable village. We love being surrounded by nature with trails, the marshland and beach, and great local amenities and groups, and the strong sense of community. I see Lakefield from the lens of a village resident and mother to two active children. I am engaged through St Paul’s School parent council and volunteer with the Lakefield Children’s Choir.

If Lakefield is to grow successfully, we need thoughtful development, infrastructure and services that keep pace. We also need to protect the natural resource base and need decisions that support the long-term interests of Lakefield. I am running to represent Lakefield to ensure it remains a vibrant, sustainable and welcoming community for generations to come.

I bring to Selwyn Council unique experience across law, government, public policy, and sustainability. As a lawyer I understand procedural rules, can navigate legal frameworks and can ask informed questions about risk mitigation. With significant government experience I understand how governments work at multiple levels. I have worked on issues and policies that matter to local residents and businesses, such as waste and recycling, planning, infrastructure, economic development and resources management. I bring a proven track record in sustainability from the public and private sectors. I have been recognised for stakeholder engagement. I am keen to listen to your views, collaborate and take fresh new ideas forward to Council.

kawarthaNOW has reproduced written responses from candidates verbatim. Any errors, factual or otherwise, or any use of AI-generated content originate with the candidate.