Ribbon cutting for the almost open Rachel’s Kids Park of Hope in Cornwall

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Young Frankie Bennett will definitely be back as soon as the town’s new fully accessible playground is finished.

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She and her parents, Lucas Bennett and Andrea Davis, were among dozens of residents who visited the nearly completed Rachel’s Kids Park of Hope in St. Theresa Park on Saturday.

“It’s super cute,” Bennett said, after Frankie left the modernist teeter-totter to try out another piece of playground equipment, which are designed to accommodate children — and adults — of all physical and mental abilities.

Minutes earlier, Dr. Rachel Navaneelan and her Rachel’s Kids board, including Vice President and MC Scott Coulter, welcomed residents and dignitaries to the facility.

“It’s not officially open, but we’re extremely excited to be able to show you the progress we’ve made so far,” said board secretary Sharon Renaud, shortly after finishing a poem she recited. “What you will see here today is a world of possibilities to create a beacon of unity in the community.”

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The park’s contractor is New World Park Solutions, of Brantford, Ont.

Navaneelan said the development has been in the works since 2016. Plans were finalized last year and construction on the $650,000 Phase 1 began this spring.

“As promised, it’s a special place for people of all ages and abilities to play, learn and have fun,” she said.

The vast majority of the funds needed were provided through charitable donations.

“My favorite saying is it takes a village,” she said. “We are eternally grateful to all the villages here today, generous, compassionate and supportive to make this dream come true.

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“Give yourself a round of applause.”

Navaneelan said adding a second phase would require another infusion of $350,000.

As part of Phase 2, the Professional Firefighters Association of Cornwall will erect a 20×20 foot gazebo.

Mayor Justin Towndale, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry MP Eric Duncan and SDSG MP Nolan Quinn congratulated their team on their efforts. Navaneelan presented the mayor with a wooden sign that will be placed in front of the park.

Quinn told the crowd that he empathized with the village’s philosophy, noting that his time in Toronto’s Queen’s Park would not be possible without the support of family and friends for his wife and children.

“(This park will be) interesting; we’re putting Cornwall on the map because I think we’re the only inclusive park in Eastern Ontario,” said Quinn.

The occasion was so important to recognize the contributions of Rache’s Kids that Duncan made a special announcement. He chose Navaneelan as the first recipient of a new civic honour, the Coronation Medal, recognizing the coronation of King Charles III.

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