Rotary Park is a three-way partnership between the Rotary Club of Sudbury, the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers, and the City of Greater Sudbury, and is built on land owned by the Nickel District Conservation Association. The idea of building a park was conceived in 1998 as a way for Rotary to celebrate the change of the millennium and to give back to the community which has supported Rotary so generously.  Construction on trails began in 2000 and currently approximately 4 km of trail connects New Sudbury to downtown Sudbury, following both Junction Creek and the ridge between the Kingsway and the Ponderosa floodplain.

 

In the twenty years since Rotary Park began, our clubs have been fortunate to have the support of members, local businesses, Rainbow Routes, the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee, Sudburnia Soccer, City staff and Council, and many many more.  The two Sudbury Rotary Clubs regularly plant trees in the Park and are committed to maintaining a park that celebrates the natural features of the area and gives citizens a great place to walk, play, ride bikes, play soccer, and sit and think.  In addition to the Park, Rotarians were very involved in getting the Adanac Ski Hill up and running again so that the Park had a great winter anchor.

Every year the Rotary Club of Sudbury participates in a volunteer work weekend to help the YMCA with the upkeep of John Island Camp. The Club has been involved with the camp since it was built in the 1950s. Back then, the Club built the Eagle Talon cabin, which is still being used by campers today.

 

Our work weekend starts on Saturday morning when we meet at the dock near Spanish for our boat ride to John Island.  Once there, we meet with the camp director to confirm what tasks they have for the weekend.  Our work includes camp repairs, painting, building decks, building docks etc.

 

The YMCA provides meals for the volunteers. The Club provides a glorious BBQ on Saturday evening and invites the camp director and staff. This is followed by a fire pit, sing along, and fun evening.  On Sunday morning, we are back to work until just after lunch when we pack up and head for home. This is a great weekend of camaraderie and getting to know your fellow Rotarians.