A collaboration between the Town of Kingsville and the Rotary Club of Kingsville Southshore led to a formal ribbon cutting on October 11 for a new addition at Lakeside Park. With recent updates to the park, the municipality sought a partner for an additional amenity, specifically an accessible sensory pad that would promote physical, mental and social well-being.
The Rotary Club of Kingsville Southshore stepped up to the plate to be that partner and provided $15,000 in funding for the two concrete chess/checkers tables and the three interactive stencils – hopscotch, alphabet, buddy circle – that now take up a central position in the park.
“This project spoke to our members and we wanted to be a part of this,” said Club President Heather LeBrun. “We have pillars in Rotary and this project hits upon those related to education, children and accessibility.”
When asked about the town’s motivation for the new pad, Manager of Parks and Recreation Courtney Godfrey said, “When we replaced the park playground, we saw an opportunity and wanted to create a fun and unique new space for this area. It’s intergenerational and something that was really needed. Rotary was a fantastic collaborator on the project and we look forward to future collaborations.”
Fun on the new sensory pad wasn’t the only thing going on at the opening as train rides, cornhole and free hot dogs were also provided by the Rotary Club.
On a closing note, Lebrun wanted to extend an invitation for the public to join them on October 24 at the Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre for a night of fun at their next fundraising endeavour titled Music Trivia Palooza, in partnership with the Kingsviille Music Society.
Four-year-old Selena Salvati of Kingsville was one of the first to give it a go on the hopscotch board.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
Visiting family for Thanksgiving, the Patterson family made their way to the new pad for a game of chess and checkers. Pictured in the foreground is Ed Patterson and his dad Duncan. In the back is mom Chloe Doesburg along with daughter Simea Patterson.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
