The playground at Bill Robertson Park is gearing up for an exciting expansion over the next month with the installation of a new wheelchair swing on the west side of the play structure. The entire play structure will also have the surface replaced with infinity turf simultaneously, in order to minimize disruptions.
“The Rotary Club of Okotoks was instrumental in making this project a reality—the work they’ve done has resulted in a substantial enhancement to the accessible amenities available at Bill Robertson Park,” says the Town’s parks manager, Rod March. “The Rotary Club does a great job of supporting our community, and we sincerely thank them for making it possible to add this amazing feature that enables all kids to play together.”
“Our members and supporters are thrilled to see this project finally come together after years of planning and fundraising,” said Jeff Foss, Rotary Club of Okotoks President. “We have heard from parents of kids who use wheelchairs about the significant need for this accessible play space. We have observed steady usage of the current play structure, and this expansion will only enhance and improve its accessibility.”
Work to install the wheelchair swing and perform resurfacing is slated to begin on July 22, 2024, and continue for the next month. The west side of the playground will be closed for approximately two weeks to prepare the swing site. In order to resurface the entire play structure area, portions of the playground will also need to be closed during the work. Users can expect some restrictions from July 22 through August 28, 2024.
The Town is addressing the main playground surfacing concerns raised by users through installing this new surface material, which will result in a cooler, cleaner, more comfortable and safer play surface when complete.
“We will be doing all we can to maintain access where we can throughout the play structure, as the construction is variable,” said March. “While we know the work can be a bit of an inconvenience to the community, this is such a great additional amenity it will be worth the wait!”
Rotary members from Okotoks have been fundraising and planning for the addition of wheelchair accessible play equipment, following the completion of the accessible picnic shelter at Bill Robertson Park in 2020.
The Town has committed $10K to the project, with the bulk of the funding (in excess of $100,000) coming from the Rotary Club.
“We are grateful for area residents’ support over the years and of the support for this project from the Town of Okotoks, the Province of Alberta as well as Crescent Point Energy,” said Foss.
The Town looks forward to welcoming families to experience the new accessible wheelchair swing once installation is complete.
Quick Swing Facts
The We-Go-Swing™ allows everyone to swing together! The placement of the handlebars allows those seated on the bench or in their wheelchair to contribute to the swinging motion ensuring that all are part of the swinging experience. All children will actively engage the muscles throughout their body to make this swing soar. This helps them build their motor planning skills, strength and balance as they swing. There is plenty of room for children of all ages to sit and/or stand together and enjoy a ride to the stars or take a gentle ride down the river or to any other world they can imagine.
About the Okotoks Rotary Club
Rotary members from Okotoks have long supported the community through a range of donations and service projects. Members of the Okotoks Club have also supported Rowan House, Okotoks Food Bank, Foothills Country Hospice, Meals on Wheels and Okotoks & District Seniors Club, to name a few.
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to making communities better and tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.4 million members of more than 46,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. They contribute their time, energy, and passion at both the local and international levels to carry out meaningful and sustainable projects that promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, help mothers and children, support education, grow local economies, protect the environment, and their top priority is working toward a polio-free world. Learn more at www.OkotoksRotary.ca
