New Inclusive Playground Opens Today on Coney Island

Kenora, ON – August 4, 2026 – The City of Kenora and the Kenora Rotary Club invite everyone to the official grand opening of the new Coney Island – Kenora Rotary Club Playground today at 2:30 p.m.

The fully accessible playground replaces the old equipment on the popular waterfront island and is designed so children and families of all abilities can play together. Features include a green rubber tile surface, a revitalized walkway from the boardwalk for easy mobility-device access, calm sensory zones, shaded quiet areas, and multiple stainless-steel slides — including a wide gang slide for caregiver assistance.

The project exceeds Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requirements, with 13 accessible elevated components and 10 ground-level ones. Funding came from the federal Enabling Accessibility Fund, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, the City of Kenora, and the Rotary Club of Kenora, which committed $66,000.

“This new Coney Island – Kenora Rotary Club Playground is more than just a play space,” said Mayor Andrew Poirier. “It’s a step forward in making our parks inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.”

Deb LeMaistre, Special Projects Chair with the Rotary Club of Kenora, added: “This new inclusive playground will provide a welcoming space where children from our community and visitors alike can play, connect, and build friendships… The Rotary Playground on Coney Island is another meaningful step in creating accessible, joyful spaces for children to enjoy.”

The free event is open to the public. Coney Island is reached by boat or water taxi during the summer season.

About the Author

Keenan Hutka

Publisher of RL News. Covers Kenora, Northwestern Ontario, and Central Canada — local stories, national politics, and the war in Ukraine.

Visit Website View All Posts