Donor Wall Design Unveiled For Rotary Club of Peterborough and Riverview Park & Zoo's Accessible Playground Project; First Major Donors Honoured

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park & Zoo have unveiled a proposed design for the major donor recognition wall for the Rotary Accessible Playground, which was announced on Wednesday morning.

Rotarians, donors and zoo staff having a blast at the playground in the approximate area of where the accessible playground will be. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Several major donors were recognized at the event for their contributions towards the playground. The project costs $1.5 million and was first presented to the Rotary Club of Peterborough in 2024.

“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,” said Betty Halman-Plumley, then-president of Rotary. “This project reflects our commitment to inclusion, community service, and building spaces where everyone feels welcome. Together with the Riverview Park & Zoo, we are building more than just a play space – we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community for families to thrive.”

The Club pledged $500,000 and has raised over half of its total, with approximately $288,250 raised, according to Club president Tony Grady.

The following donors were recognized at the event:

Climber Level ($5,000)

• Grady’s Feet Essentials

• Darling Insurance

• AON Inc.

• Rotarians Jim Coyle and Wendy Hill

• BWXT

Activators ($10,000)

• Part Time CFO Services

The proposed donor wall for the accessible playground at Riverview Park & Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Special recognition went to Merrett Home Hardware for building materials donations, Rotarian Mike Evans and his family foundation pledged $40,000 and Paul Hickey announced a contribution of $50,000.

“Our family is honoured to pledge $40,000 in support of this project because we believe everyone - of all ages - should be included and able to enjoy this space within our community,” said Evans.

Barry Craft, representing the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough, is hosting the annual Father’s Day car show. The Kinsmen pledged to donate proceeds from their annual Father’s Day Car Show, $6000, to the project.

Last August, the Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park & Zoo first unveiled their preliminary plans for a new, totally redesigned playground at the zoo which would be accessible to people of all ages and all abilities.

Upgrades include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, and relaxing, shady spaces with great sightlines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

Mary Kate Whibbs, Zoo operations and support manager, has invited residents to learn about proposed upgrades to the accessible playground at Riverview Park & Zoo and provide feedback to help shape the project at a public drop-in session set to take place on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Riverview Park & Zoo, Rotary Education Centre.

“The level of support we’ve seen so far has been incredibly motivating. It really speaks to the kind of community we have supporting this project, one that values inclusion, accessibility, and spaces where everyone feels welcome,” said Whibbs. “It’s been especially inspiring to see this project bring people together around a shared vision. That momentum is helping us move forward with confidence, and we’re excited to keep building on it as we work toward a space where every child and family can play, connect, and enjoy the playground together.”

@ptbo_canada The Rotary Club of Peterborough has unveiled its donor wall design for its accessible playground to be built at the Riverview Park & Zoo! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #dailynews ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

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City Hosting Public Drop-In Session For Riverview Park and Zoo Accessible Playground

Residents are invited to learn about proposed upgrades to the accessible playground at Riverview Park and Zoo and provide feedback to help shape the project.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

A public drop-in session will take place on April 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Rotary Education Centre in the Riverview Park and Zoo. Project staff will be available to answer questions and gather feedback from residents on the proposed accessibility improvements.

A public survey is also available online. Paper copies are available at City Hall (500 George St. N.) The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on May 1.

Accessible playground upgrades are part of a multi-year project focused on reducing steep slopes and improving access to the existing playground.  

Riverview Park and Zoo, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Peterborough, is working to raise $1.5 million to bring this vision to life. Project ROAR, a community-driven fundraising campaign, will support the development of an accessible, inclusive playground. 

“This project is about making sure every visitor to Riverview Park and Zoo has the opportunity to play, explore and feel included while enjoying the playground,” said Community Services co-chairs Councillor Lesley Parnell and Councillor Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “We encourage residents to share their ideas to help shape a space that reflects the needs of our community and supports a more accessible and welcoming experience for everyone.” 

Donations to support the Playground Accessibility Project can be made online.

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Nominations Open For Community Care Peterborough's 38th 'Grandparent of the Year'

City and County of Peterborough children in grades 1-6 can honour their elders through Community Care Peterborough’s 38th ‘Grandparent of the Year’ contest.

Jun Espiritu (left); granddaughter Kailyah Espiritu, Junior English Category Winner of last year (middle) and Danielle Belair, CCP CEO. Photo courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

Children are asked to submit a hand-drawn picture and a piece of writing that addresses what is important about their relationship with their grandparent, elder or special older person and why they believe their nominee should win the award.

“The Grandparent of the Year Award is a treasured program and a chance to connect generations and reflect on the guidance, inspiration, and value of seniors in our community—many of whom are clients or volunteers with Community Care Peterborough,” said Chris LeBlanc, Director of Donor and Public Relations. “The stories we receive each year are a powerful reminder of the influence older adults have on young people, and we encourage all eligible students to take part.”

Nomination packages have been distributed to schools throughout Peterborough County and are also available for download.

Submissions will be accepted in both English and French and a winner and honourable mention will be selected in each language from two grade groups: Primary (Grades 1-3) and Junior (Grades 4-6).

The deadline for submissions is May 5. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on June 4 at Royal Gardens Retirement Residence.

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Grade 5 Student Can Take Charge of Peterborough Police Service With 'Chief For a Day' Contest

The Peterborough Police Service is allowing a Grade 5 student in Peterborough and the Kawarthas to lead them in their ‘Chief For A Day’ program, which returns for 2026, announced on Tuesday.

Izzy Condon from Kaawaate East City Public School was last year’s winner of the ‘Chief for a Day’ contest. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The contest is an opportunity for Grade 5 students to experience a day as Police Chief for the Peterborough Police Service.

Contest Details:              

• Who Can Enter: Students in Grade 5 at a school in the City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield and Township of Cavan-Monaghan for the 2025/2026 school year

• Essay Topic: If you were Chief for a day, what would you do?

• Word Limit: 300-500 words

• Deadline: March 25, 2026

The week of April 7 to 10, the authors of the top five essays will be asked to attend the Peterborough Police Station and read their winning essays before a panel of judges, including Chief Betts. 

Prize:

• Serve as Police Chief for a Day on May 19.  You will be fitted with a full Peterborough Police Service Uniform and experience a day in the life of our Police Chief, including being sworn in, meeting the officers and different units, as well as presenting your essay to the Peterborough Police Service Board at their regular meeting. Further opportunity to attend the Community Open House at the Police Station on June 6.

How to Enter:

1. Write your essay: Be creative and thoughtful and be sure to include specific ideas.

2. Submit your essay: Send your completed essay to chiefofpoliceoffice@peterborough.ca Please include your full name, the name of your school, the city the school is in and the school board the student attends. 

3. Deadline: March 25

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Easter Seals Ontario Score With Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic Fundraiser

Six teams filled with NHL greats, Petes alumni and more hit the ice for the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic fundraiser in support of Easter Seals at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Thursday.

The Peterborough Petes and The Ultimate Keggers squared off at the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic For Easter Seals Ontario. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The two-day fundraiser opened with a VIP Draft Party, giving registered teams a chance to select an NHL alumnus to join their team at The Venue on Wednesday night. Among the NHL alumni who attended the event were Brad May, Kris King, Keith Acton, Troy Crowder and André Roy. Also playing in the tournament was former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Doug Gilmour, who is no stranger to the PMC from his Ontario Hockey League tenure.

“It's a little different being back in the dressing room where I coached for three years and the GM side but coming back to Peterborough is always great,” he said. “Growing up in Kingston, our league consists of Oshawa, Peterborough, Belleville, Trenton and Kingston so it's always nice to come back.”

The two-day tournament proceeds go towards Easter Seals Ontario to help children and youth with physical disabilities across the province.

“It's all about having fun out here and everybody works hard on raising money,” explained Gilmour. “There are no losers out here today; the winners are Easter Seals.”

@ptbo_canada Doug Gilmour was one of several NHL legends at the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic in support of Easter Seals Ontario. Proceeds go towards children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #fyp #easterseals ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Each team was guaranteed two games. An All-Star game was held following the event, where the top eight fundraisers were eligible to participate. Every player was asked to raise a minimum of $500 for Easter Seals.

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Third Annual YMCA Peterborough Pickleball Tournament to See Face Off Between Two Local Realtors

The YMCA Balsillie Family Branch to host the third annual YMCA Peterborough Pickleball Tournament, where local realtors Shaun Pearce and Wade Hamblin will compete for the win on May 9.

Photo courtesy of the ymca peterborough.

“The YMCA helped keep me on the right path when I was growing up. It gave me a safe place to build confidence, develop athletic skills and learn important life lessons,” said Shaun Pearce, captain of Team Pearce. “Many kids here in Peterborough still can’t access sports and recreational programming because of financial limitations at home, and I want to help to change that for the better. Now that I’m in a position to give back, I’m proud to support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and serve as captain of our 2026 charity pickleball team. We’re a group of people committed to making a real difference for kids right here in our community.”

Come out to see if Team Pearce can defend their title of Pickleball Champions against Team Hamblin in hopes of winning the Golden Pickle on May 9 from 3 to 6 p.m. at 123 Aylmer St. S.

All proceeds from the tournament go directly to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, which helps ensure that every child, regardless of financial circumstances, has the opportunity to grow, connect and succeed.

Learn more about the tournament and how to support online.

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The 54th-Annual Easter Seals Telethon to Support Children With Disabilities Hits the Air On March 22

The 54th-annual Easter Seals Telethon fundraiser to support children with physical disabilities is set for March 22, announced at Lansdowne Place on Wednesday morning.

(From left to right) Stuart Harrison, Easter Seals Telethon host; Zoe Gibbbons, Easter Seals Ontario Ambassador for Peterborough-Durham and Sarah-Lynn Gibbons, Zoe’s mother. The Gibbons were active partipants in the 40th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim on Friday morning. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Proceeds go towards Easter Seals Ontario so that children and youth with physical disabilities have access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. The Telethon airs live from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on YourTV and Global Peterborough. The Telethon brings together stories, community voices and fundraising efforts to support Easter Seals kids across the region.

This year’s Easter Seals Ambassador (representing Peterborough-Durham) is seven-year-old Zoe Gibbons from Ajax. This is her second year participating in Easter Seals Ontario but her first as an ambassador.

Zoe was born with a rare condition known as congenital disorder of glycosylation type 2 (CDG Type-2) at birth and requires a wheelchair for mobility. She was the 49th person in the world to be given the diagnosis, according to her mother, Sarah-Lynne Gibbons.

“That's when the sugars and proteins, that mechanism is broken on one of her X chromosomes so there's a 50/50 chance that it can affect every system and organ in her body,” she explained.

Zoe uses her eyes and a Tobii Dynavox communication device to interact with others.

“There's heat sensors on the bottom so if she focuses on something long enough (like on one of the boxes), then it speaks out loud,” said Sarah-Lynn. “It's really cool. It took a really long time for us to advocate because it's one of those things that's hard to get covered but we did and we haven't stopped chatting since.”

The Gibbons were recipients of the Incontinence Grant through Easter Seals Ontario which is awarded to families with children who are diapered at the age of three and beyond.

“They also help with camps for all abilities and equipment so equipment that isn't covered by the government comes with a heavy price tag,” said Sarah-Lynne.

@ptbo_canada The 54th-annual Easter Seals Telethon is set for March 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Proceeds are for Easter Seals Ontario for children with physical disabilities access to tools and opportunities to thrive. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #eastersealscanada ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor, were in attendance for the launch. Leal had declared March to be Easter Seals Month in the City of Peterborough.

Throughout the month, Easter Seals Ontario invites the community to several fundraising events. This includes the Boston Pizza Celebrity Serving Event (1164 Chemong Rd.) on Sunday and the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic on March 12 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

“It's amazing to see the community to come together the way it does and for everyone to show up, it's pretty incredible,” she said.

Donations can be made online.

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Send a Kid to Camp AXE-travaganza with the Peterborough Axe Club and Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation has announced they are hosting the Send a Kid to Camp AXE-travaganza fundraiser May 1st at the Peterborough Axe Club.

photo courtesy of the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation.

In partnership with Herod Financial Services and supported by AON Inc, Kawartha Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (KOMFS), Terra FirmConstruction and Camp Kawartha and Kawartha Gymnastics, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation will host an evening of friendly axe throwing competition to help enrich the lives of children in our community.

“This event is our largest fundraiser of the year and plays a vital role in helping us send children to summer camp,” said Carrie Truman, Executive Director of the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation. “Camp provides children involved with the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society the opportunity to build self-esteem and confidence, form meaningful connections and spend time just being a kid.”

Over the past 42 years, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation has sent over 5740 kids to summer camp.

Their goal is to help 150 children involved with the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society attend camp this summer. By participating in the Send a Kid to Camp AXE-travaganza presented by Herod Financial Services, attendees can ensure local at-risk children have the opportunity to experience the joy of camp this summer.

Tickets are available now for $50 per person or $500 per lane. Two axe-throwing time slots are offered on May 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.

Event sponsorship opportunities remain available, and those interested can contact carrie@k-hchildrensfoundation.com for more information. Monetary donations in support of the Summer Camp Program can also be made online.

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Family Fun Fest This Family Day at the YMCA

Spend Family Day at the YMCA Balsillie Family Branch with Family Fun Fest event activities, sports and crafts Feb. 16.

file photo.

Gym Stations Available for all Ages

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NHL Shoot Out - Come see if you can score on staff in the NHL Street Shoot Out

Archery - Ready, Aim, Steady, test your skills with a new archery set

Tot’s fun and play - Activities and games that promote physical development, coordination and healthy habits in a playful, engaging environment for parents and children.

Youth Drop-In Programs

10 to 10:45 a.m.: Wiggles and Giggles with Dance for ages 3-8

Simple dance routines and activities that build rhythm, coordination and confidence while having fun with friends

11 to 11:45 a.m.: Sports of All sorts for ages 3-12

Drop-in to try a variety of sports, build skills and teamwork, and stay active

12 to 12:45 p.m.: Dodgeball for ages 6-12

Dodge, run and play while having fun building skills in teamwork, sportsmanship and strategy

1 to 2 p.m.: Big Ball games (Omikin ball) for ages 6+

Explore upgraded ball games such as ball tag, no net volleyball and more with the Omikin Ball; a super sized ball for ages 6 and up

Admission is by donation to the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign. Suggested donation is $20 for families and $10 for individuals.

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Registration For City of Peterborough Summer Day Camps Opens February 2

Registration for summer day camp programs with the City of Peterborough opens Feb. 2 at 9 a.m.  

file photo.

Registration for Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members opens at 7 a.m.

The City offers a variety of day camp options at various facilities throughout the summer months.  

Campers can enhance their creative talents, learn new artistic skills or dance the summer away at the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

Dig for dinosaurs, explore the far reaches of outer space or become a young historian at the Peterborough Museum and Archives.  

Campers can hone their skateboarding skills at Bonnerworth Park with instruction from the Peterborough Skateboard Coalition. Tennis, soccer, rugby, basketball and lacrosse sport camps are taking place in City parks and facilities. The City’s Leadership and aquatic programs are also returning this summer.  

New this year at the Riverview Park and Zoo is a Junior Zookeepers day camp throughout July and August. This week-long day camp will give campers a hands-on, educational experience focused on animals, conservation, and nature. 

“With a wide range of programs offered across the city, campers can explore new interests, build confidence and make new friends while creating memorable experiences that help kids make the most of their summer months,” said Community Services co-Chairs Alex Bierk and Lesley Parnell in a joint statement.  

A full list of day camp programs is available online.

Residents can register for day camp programming online or by calling (ext. 2201). Registration can also be done in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.)

To learn more about payment plans and options visit the website.

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