An accessible swing is set to give more youth the opportunity to have fun and make meaningful memories in Okotoks.
Jeff Foss, president of the Rotary Club of Okotoks, was on-site on Sept. 5 to help unveil the newest addition to Bill Robertson Park: a wheelchair-accessible swing.
"This project is a shining example of what happens when a 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," said Foss.
The We-Go-Swing features specially-placed handlebars allowing those seated on the bench or in a wheelchair to contribute to the movement of the swing, ensuring that all are part of the swinging experience.
"This swing set represents more than just a piece of playground equipment," Foss continued. "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."
The Town of Okotoks committed $10,000 towards the project, while the bulk of funding — over $100,000 — came from the Rotary Club, with construction beginning in July.
"Rotarians, we are people of action, people who look for the gaps in our community," said Christina Hassan, district governor of Rotary 5360, which is made up of 75 Rotarian groups, including the Okotoks club.
"This is also an example of what it means to work together as a community, and when we find a gap in our community, we rally together, the town, the city, the community around making something like this possible."
The Rotary Club of Okotoks previously brought an accessible picnic shelter, named the Rotary Shelter, to Bill Robertson Park in 2020.
The Rotary Club of Okotoks is involved in many community programs and projects, such as international youth exchanges and the annual Soapbox Derby.
There are over 46,000 Rotary Clubs worldwide, with 1.4 million members across the globe.
Learn more about the Rotary Club of Okotoks on its website.
