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reetings from the officers and members of the Rotary Clubs of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  We are Rotarians working together for the benefit of our community, and in support of the international community service initiatives of Rotary International.

We are proud to be members of the world's oldest service club, founded in 1905, and to be associated with its strong record of local and international community service. 2005 was the 100th anniversary of Rotary and clubs around the world worked on hundreds of special projects and events in celebration of Rotary's centennial birthday.

So please take some time, browse our web site and see some of what we in Rotary have done to help our community.

Max Keeping presides over the official playground opening

Although our original mandate has been completed, Rotary has decided to continue its work for children of all abilities in our community by retrofitting and expanding the water play facility within the playground. That work, expected to cost about $100,000 will be completed by fall 2008, funding permitting.

The Playground Management Committee began its fundraising efforts for the water feature with the Playground Gala immediately following the official opening on May 3rd. Donations from the Community Foundation of Ottawa, Rotary Club of Ottawa-Bytown and Scrivens Family of Companies kicked off the new campaign.

Faye Porter and Darren McCorristan, members of local Rotary clubs, while participating in a Rotary Group Study Exchange in Australia, were inspired by an award winning playground for children of all abilities. Upon their return to Ottawa, they proposed that a similar project be developed by the Ottawa area Rotary clubs. The clubs accepted their proposal as a suitable project to celebrate Rotary International's Centennial in 2005.

Seven local area clubs planned and constructed the Rotary Centennial Playground for Children of All Abilities in Brewer Park. The new playground represents a contribution by Rotary of over half a million dollars to the Ottawa community.

Ground was broken in October 2006 with a community build day. Local Home Depot staff joined local Rotarians to erect equipment donated by KaBoom! for intermediate play area. Pictures of our community build day are available by clicking here.

After three years of off-season construction, the new playground officially opened on Saturday, May 3rd. The event was attended by the many people who have been involved in its construction and those who are benefiting from the new play facilities. Details and pictures of the opening ceremonies can be found by clicking here.