Jude’s Joy Inclusive Playground Officially Opens in Ennismore Thanks to $145,300 OTF Grant from the Province!
On Friday, MPP Dave Smith was with representatives from the Selwyn Township for the celebration of the official opening of Jude’s Joy Inclusive Playground at Ennismore Waterfront Park. The grand opening brought together members of the community, project partners, donors, volunteers and families to celebrate the completion of this long-awaited project and the creation of a welcoming, accessible destination where children and families can plan, connect and enjoy the outdoors together.
This project is a true testament to what can be achieved when a community opens its heart and comes together for our kids. Jude’s Joy is more than just a playground—it’s a living tribute to love, inclusion, and the simple, priceless joy of play. Our government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, is immensely proud to support this barrier-free space, ensuring Jude’s legacy continues to touch and bring families together across Ennismore and Selwyn Township for years to come.”
Made possible through an incredible community partnership between the Ennismore Optimist Club, Jude’s Joy and Selwyn Township, the project received a $145,300 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), along with more than $200,000 raised through community fundraising, donations and in-kind contributions. The new playground is Selwyn Township’s first barrier-free playground with poured-in-place rubber surfacing and adaptive play elements designed to encourage children and youth of all abilities to participate. Highlights include an accessible merry-go-round, ground-level sensory elements, and a thoughtfully designed layout that encourages multi-generational interaction.
On behalf of Selwyn Township Council, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make Jude’s Joy a reality. It was wonderful to celebrate the opening of this special playground with the community and see the joy it is already bringing to children and families. This playground is so much more than a place to play. It is a place where everyone is welcome, where children of all abilities can participate together, and where families and community members can create lasting memories. We are incredibly proud of what our community has accomplished together.”
The project has also improved accessibility throughout the surrounding area, including an accessible parking lot, enhanced washroom accessibility, accessible pathways and an access mat leading to the water. Accessible benches, picnic tables and other amenities further support visitors of all ages and abilities.
Jude’s Joy is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision. Seeing the playground officially open and watching families experience the space for the first time was an incredibly meaningful moment. The support we received from residents, businesses, organizations, volunteers and donors has been overwhelming. We are so proud to see this vision become a reality and to know that Jude’s Joy will bring joy, inclusion and connection to families for years to come.”
The project would not have been possible without the tremendous support of the community. The Ennismore Optimist Club played a key role in bringing the project forward, working closely with Jude’s Joy and the Township throughout its development. Local businesses and organizations contributed through monetary donations, in-kind support and employee donation-matching programs, while residents supported a variety of fundraising initiatives, including pasta dinners, and pancake breakfasts.
The community is invited to come and experience Jude’s Joy for themselves. Whether you’re visiting with family, meeting friends at the park or simply enjoying the waterfront, everyone is encouraged to stop by, explore the new playground and see what makes this space so special.
And the work at Ennismore Waterfront Park isn’t finished yet. With more amenities, improvements and enhancements planned for the park, there is plenty more to look forward to as this community space continues to evolve. Jude’s Joy is an exciting new chapter for Ennismore Waterfront Park, with more to come!
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.