Members and friends of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke mark the 30th anniversary of the Rotary Peace Park. Photos by John Stevenson.
The Rotary Etobicoke Peace Park in New Toronto was filled with
friends and supporters as they marked its 30th anniversary of serving
the community.
The 25 Eleventh Street Park was dedicated to the community on
September 21, 1993. Some 300 Rotarians and
members of the community last September 21 celebrated with the event with a large community BBQ attended by three Rotary clubs who brought
food and drinks to share with others.
“I was fortunate 30 years ago, along with then Mayor Bruce Sinclair, to dedicate this area as Rotary Park,” said Lynda Ryder, the Rotary Etobicoke president. “I was the Etobicoke club president then, first woman in Canada, and am now doing a repeat as president 30 years later.”
Having fun and enjoying the good food at the Rotary Peace Park anniversary.
Ryder said “our aim this year is partnerships and to that end, we are
inviting our three Etobicoke clubs to celebrate together with our
community.”
The Etobicoke Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Toronto West and our newest the Rotary Club of Toronto Tibetan gathered for this
anniversary, she said.
The 2.8 hectare park features a lit ball diamond, two tennis courts, a splash pad, and a children’s playground. There is also a Rotary Peace Park Outdoor Pool, Toronto Lawn Bowling Club, bowling green and
pickle ball court.
The Etobicoke Rotary Club has a long history in the community. It was formed in 1930 at the beginning of the Depression. It was a time of massive unemployment and one of the first club projects was to help
unemployed people by providing more than 2,000 parcels of food and milk.
“The main thoughts and efforts were directed towards helping the children in need,” according to the Rotary website.
The Town of New Toronto made parkland available which the Rotary Club equipped with playground equipment. The property was named Rotary Park with picnics frequently provided for underprivileged children.
Rotarian having fun at the Peace Park celebration.
One of the picnics entertained 1,500 children. The club provided disabled
children with boots, braces, wheelchairs, and other equipment with funds raised by an annual “Theatre Nights and Draws”.
The Rotary Club of Etobicoke includes professionals and
volunteers who give their time and energy to make a positive difference
in the lives of thousands.