The Rotary Club of Peterborough and Riverview Park and Zoo have unveiled a proposed donor recognition wall and announced major contributions toward a new accessible playground project.
The announcement was made Wednesday under the pavilion at the zoo, where organizers also revealed early fundraising totals and recognized key supporters.
PTBOtoday spoke to Betty Halman-plumely, the previous president and MC of the announcement about why the rotary club chose this project.
Several donors were honoured at the “Climber” level for contributions of five-thousand dollars or more. They include Kelli and Tony Grady of Grady’s Feet Essentials, Peter Blodgett of Darling Insurance, Sarah Joore of AON, and Rotarians Jim Coyle and Wendy Hill. They join BWXT, which had previously pledged five-thousand dollars.
An in-kind donation of building materials from Drew Merrett of Merrett Home Hardware was also recognized during the event.
Rotarian Mike Evans announced a $40,000 contribution through his family foundation.
Another major gift came from Paul Hickey, who pledged $50,000 in memory of his father, citing the importance of maintaining free access to the zoo.
The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough also committed to donating $6,000 in proceeds from its annual Father’s Day Car Show.
Tony Grady, of Grady’s Feet Essentials, also acts as the current president of the rotary club and says this is his way of giving back.
Following the announcements, organizers said the project has raised over $288,000 dollars so far.
The accessible playground, first introduced in 2025, is designed to accommodate users of all ages and abilities. Planned features include wider pathways for mobility devices and strollers, improved play surfaces and shaded rest areas.
A public drop-in session is scheduled for April 23rd at the zoo’s Rotary Education Centre, where residents can review plans and provide feedback.
The project, expected to cost more than $1.5 million, was first presented to the Rotary Club in 2024 following a community needs assessment. The club has since pledged up to $500,000 toward what it calls its next legacy project.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)
