Kinsmen Club of Peterborough Donates $6,000 to Riverview Park and Zoo For Accessible Playground

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough has donated $6,000 to support the accessible playground project at Riverview Park and Zoo in a cheque presentation on Monday morning.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The proceeds were from the 2025 Father’s Day Classic Car Show and Fundraiser. 

The accessible playground project focuses on improving access, reducing steep slopes and enhancing play opportunities for visitors of all abilities. These 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.

Riverview Park and Zoo, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Peterborough, is raising $1.5 million through Project ROAR, a community-driven campaign to support the development of a fully accessible and inclusive playground. 

“The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough’s contribution is helping advance efforts to improve accessibility and play opportunities at Riverview Park and Zoo,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Through Project ROAR, and with support from community partners and donors, this work is moving forward to create a more accessible playground that better supports residents and visitors. Donations raised through community events like the Father’s Day Classic Car Show hosted by the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough continue to play an important role in this progress.” 

Project ROAR is dedicated to transforming the Riverview Park and Zoo playground into an inclusive space for all. Donations can be made online or by visiting the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s website.

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough is hosting the Father’s Day Classic Car Show and Fundraiser again on June 21 at Riverview Park and Zoo, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event features live music, a BBQ, a prize table and a 50/50 draw. Admission is by donation. A rain date has been scheduled for June 28. 

Those wishing to participate in the Classic Car Show must register their vehicle. 

Registration can be completed online or by contacting Barry Craft at 705-292-5171 or bcraft@nexicom.net. Advanced online registration is open. The fee to register is $10. Participants can also register vehicles at the gate on the day of the event, beginning at 8 a.m. The registration fee at the gate is $15. 

All vehicle entries must be model year 1999 or older. 

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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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Splish, Riverview Park & Zoo's North American River Otter Passes Away at 19 Years Old

Splish, a North American river otter from Riverview Park and Zoo has passed away at 19 years of age, announced on Friday morning.

The life expectancy of a North American river otter is typically around 12 years in the wild and about 20 years in captivity.  Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Splish passed away from natural, age-related causes. An autopsy showed the cause of death to be heart-related. 

He arrived at the Riverview Park and Zoo in 2007 and spent many years interacting with visitors and staff.

The otter was known for his curious and energetic nature. Visitors watched him swim, engage in enrichment activities, and participate in daily feedings. 

Splish shared the habitat with two other North American river otters, Meadow and Violet, who remain on exhibit at the zoo. 

North American river otters are known for their intelligence, agility, and playful behaviour, often spending much of their time swimming and exploring their surroundings.

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Sulawesi Forest Turtle Hatches at Riverview Park and Zoo

A critically endangered Sulawesi forest turtle has successfully hatched at the Riverview Park and Zoo.

photo courtesy of the riverview park and zoo.

The zoo welcomed the hatchling, named Indy, on Feb. 9. Indy is the fifth Sulawesi forest turtle to hatch at the zoo, marking another important milestone in its ongoing conservation breeding efforts for this critically endangered freshwater species.

“The hatchling is currently under observation by our animal care team,” said Matt Dixon, Operational Support Manager of Animal Care at the Riverview Park and Zoo. “This is another exciting and meaningful step forward for this critically endangered species. Each successful hatch strengthens the population and builds valuable knowledge that supports conservation efforts. The zoo continues to be the only zoo in Canada working with this species and is one of only a few zoos globally to successfully reproduce it.”

Native to Indonesia, the Sulawesi forest turtle is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and are considered among the rarest freshwater turtles in the world. The species faces significant threats from habitat loss, as well as unsustainable collection for food and the illegal wildlife trade.

In 2014 two hatchlings named Blinky and Skippy were among the first Sulawesi forest turtles successfully hatched in Canada.

In 2017, Riverview Park and Zoo received the Colonel G. C. Dailley Conservation Award from Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums. The national award recognizes excellence in species propagation and conservation achievement.

The zoo continues to collaborate with accredited zoological partners to support the long-term sustainability of the species through coordinated breeding programs and conservation initiatives that contribute to global wildlife preservation efforts.

For more information or to support Riverview Park and Zoo, visit the website.

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Inaugural Lemonade Stand Day Raises $7,000 For Riverview Park and Zoo's Rotary Accessible Playground Project

A classic drink helped the Riverview Park and Zoo move closer to their $1.5 million goal for the Rotary Accessible Playground Project, as the inaugural Lemonade Stand Day raised $7,000 towards the initiative.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains held its first-ever Lemonade Stand Day on Aug.23. The event saw 33 families raise $7,000 for the project, which was celebrated on Sunday.

“The priority was for Lemonaders to have fun and the feedback we have received about Lemonade Stand Day has been wonderful,” said Greg McLeod, Secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains. “The Lemonaders are already looking forward to next year and so are we.”

The club added an $8,000 donation, while the Rotary Club of Peterborough matched the total of $15,000, bringing the grand total to $30,000 towards the initiative.

The concept was first presented to the Rotary Club in 2024 by Cathy Mitchell, Riverview Park and Zoo CEO. She was grateful for the community support towards the project from the inaugural fundraiser.

“We are so honoured to be the recipients of the funds raised through Lemonade Stand Day,” she said. “These funds will be put towards the Rotary Accessible Playground Project, which is an exciting playground redesign project that will rethink the space ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, can experience the fun of play.”

The fundraising campaign was launched in mid-August

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

Donations towards the project can be made online.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough and Riverview Park and Zoo’s Launch New Accessible Playground Fundraising Campaign to Raise $1.5 Million

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park and Zoo have teamed up for Project ROAR, a $1.5 million fundraising campaign for an accessible playground, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The Project Roar Committee unveiled its plans for a completely redesigned Rotary Accessible Playground at Riverview Park and Zoo to allow anyone of all abilities and all ages to enjoy the space.

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

Rotarian Betty Halman-Plumley was the president of the Rotary Club during the 2023-2024 term. During that time, the Club conducted extensive community outreach and local needs assessments in the lead up to deciding on the club’s next big Legacy Project said Halman-Plumley.

“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,” she said. “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.”

Cathy Mitchell, Riverview Park and Zoo CEO, first presented the concept for this project to the Rotary Club in 2024.

“We are thrilled to work with the energy and magnetism of the Rotary Club of Peterborough through their Legacy Project to bring these remarkable plans off the shelf and to fruition,” she said. “Established in 2018 through community consultation, 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. Thanks to Rotary and this Legacy commitment, we are able to move forward, remove barriers, and make it happen.”

The event paid tribute to the late Rotarian Ross Dobbin who founded the Riverview Park and Zoo in 1933. Some of his family members were present to honour his name on his behalf.

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Riverview Park & Zoo Train Closing Early Due to Pumphouse Rehabilitation Work

The Riverview Park and Zoo’s miniature train is operating until Aug. 4, as it will close for the season to accommodate rehabilitation work on the Water Street Pumphouse and Dam. 

File Photo.

The Dam will undergo construction work to address concrete deterioration and improve its infrastructure to further its long-term functionality. Construction work is expected to begin this summer.

The Miniature Train Ride crosses the dam as part of its route around the Zoo area. The train cannot safely cross the dam while it is under construction.  

The train operates daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Miniature Train Ride will reopen to visitors during the long weekend in May 2026.  

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Hatch Coffee Shop Has Grand Opening at Riverview Park & Zoo

Riverview Park and Zoo and Bird Friendly Peterborough have celebrating the grand opening of Hatch Coffee Shop, a newly created, bird-friendly cafe located within the Zoo's playground area on Wednesday morning.

The Hatcg is located near the playground area of the zoo. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

It serves Bird Friendly, fair-trade, and organic coffee beans from Birds and Beans, using compostable cups, through a walk-through window located in the playground. Hatch also offers baked treats, gluten-free options, cold drinks, ice cream bars, candy and fruit.

“The new Bird Friendly Café at the Riverview Park and Zoo brings Bird Friendly Peterborough’s mission to life - showing how small changes in the human environment, like bird-safe windows, bird friendly-products and habitat-friendly spaces, can reduce collisions and support migratory birds. Protecting birds helps protect entire ecosystems, and this café sets an example of how people and wildlife can share space in a healthier, more sustainable city,” says Thomas Luloff, Bird Friendly Peterborough vice chair, .

“We are proud to be one of the founding members of Bird Friendly Peterborough and excited to take this next bird friendly adventure into eco-friendly food service as a fund generating endeavour to support the Riverview Park and Zoo,” said Cathy Mitchell, Riverview CEO and curator manager. “Our role, as part of Canadian Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) accredited facility, is to educate and inspire people about wildlife conservation across the globe. Coffee is a great topic to discuss conservation, it’s international, so we must consider not just the impact we are having on the environment locally by running a café, but the effect we are having on the farming landscape on a whole different continent, by buying coffee beans grown 1000’s miles away.”

Regular Hours of Operation:

• Wednesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (through Labour Day)

• Weekends only (Saturday and Sunday) throughout the fall and into the winter season

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Riverview Park and Zoo Operating Under Summer Hours

The Riverview Park and Zoo’s summer hours are in effect, running from 8:30 a.m. to dusk daily.

IN CAPTIVITY, RIVER OTTERS HAVE A LIFE EXPECTANCY OF ABOUT 25 YEARS. PHOTO COURTESY OF Riverview Park and Zoo.

Sunday Summer Concerts have returned to the zoo’s Gazebo. This free bi-weekly event features local musicians and groups performing every other Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

The City encourages visitors to bring a lawn chair and a shade umbrella to enjoy these concerts in an outdoor setting, weather permitting.  

The next concert, scheduled for June 8, features Fyd-L-Styx, showcasing traditional Scottish and Irish folk songs and fiddle music.  

The miniature train ride is now in operation. The train operates daily during the summer, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. The cost is $2 per person, with children two years old or under riding for free.  

Cleanup from the late-March ice storm is still underway in some areas of the Zoo. Visitors are asked to follow all posted signage and remain out of barricaded areas. 

The following areas are open to visitors:  

• Playground area and 80-foot super slide 

• Zoo area and animal exhibits 

• Guest Services and the Gift Shop is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Monday and Tuesday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday   

• River Otter feeding takes place daily at 1:30 p.m. 

• The Zoo office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday 

• Splash pad, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

• Park areas, including the disc golf course 

• Lower-level picnic area and picnic shelters. Use of shelters must be reserved by permit two weeks in advance 

The River Path Walking Trail remains closed at this time.

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