Rotary Park

In 1925, Rotarians in Oshawa were looking for a worthwhile service project. One of the suggestions was a new playground near the Oshawa Creek. In 1926, they purchased land with frontage on Centre Street for $2,000.

In November 1926, local industrialist and philanthropist, J. D. Storie, donated an additional $2,000 to purchase a second, adjoining, plot of land. The playground included swings and other equipment for children. In 1931, construction began on the swimming pool and only took three weeks to complete.

For $1,200 and gifts of materials, local contractors Bathe & McLellan built the pool. The pool was 125 by 50 feet with sloping depth from the wading end to allow small children to paddle and swim and was rebuilt in 1960. Swimming lessons were a regular feature at Rotary Park until the pool’s closure in 2019 due to structural issues and declining use.

For Oshawa’s Centennial year, in 2024, it was announced that the legacy project would be the development of Rotary Park. Improvements include:

• a new outdoor pool with four lanes, a zero-entry pool area and toddler pool area
• a destination playground
• a splash pad
• a parking lot
• pathways
• site amenities

The new park is slated to open in 2025.

With information from:

https://www.oshawa.ca/en/news/construction-set-to-begin-on-rotary-park-oshawa-s-centennial-legacy-project.aspx