The Rotary Club of Okotoks and the Town of Okotoks unveiled the new wheelchair-accessible swing at Bill Robertson Park on Thursday (Sept. 5).
It's the latest contribution to the park from the Rotary Club, who provided over $100,000 in funding for the project, with the Town contributing about $10,000.
They previously funded an accessible picnic shelter in 2020.
The swing features a ramp, space for a wheelchair including a wheel stop, fold-down bars to hold onto, and a bench across from the wheelchair space.
District Governor for Rotary District 5360, Christina Hassan, attended the event and spoke about the Rotary Club's will and ability to
"Rotarians, we are people of action. People who look for the gaps in our community, we really together, the town, the city, the community, around making something like this possible. I want to say thank you, Rotarians of Okotoks, for seeing the gap and finding a way to mind it. Thank you for your connection to your community, to the town, and to making this place a better place for all of us."
Okotoks Rotary President Jeff Foss thanked the Town, local volunteers, donors, residents, and everyone else who made the project possible.
"This project was a shining example of what happens when our community comes together with a shared vision that ensures every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to play, laugh, and make memories alongside their friends. This swing set represents more than just a piece of playground equipment. It symbolizes the Rotary Club of Okotoks and the Town of Okotoks' commitment to inclusion, showing that we believe every child deserves a place to belong, to have fun, and to feel valued."
With the swing finally complete and the park made that much more inclusive because of it, Foss invited young Okotokians to give it a whirl.
"This is your playground. It's a place where everyone to play together, so go ahead, take a seat, swing freely, and let your laughter fill the air. The moment is yours, so enjoy every bit of it."
