Community Impact
Community Impact is the story of Rotary in action.
Some of that work is highly visible. Much of it happens quietly through projects, programs and service whose impact continues long after the work itself is complete.
Cadzow Park and Rotary Splash Pad
In 1926, the Rotary Club of St. Marys presented Cadzow Park, including a children's swimming pool, to the Town of St. Marys as its very first community project. For generations, families learned to swim, gathered with friends and created lifelong memories in a park built through Rotary's vision and commitment to the community.
Nearly 90 years later, when the original pool reached the end of its life, Rotary once again worked with the Town of St. Marys to create the Rotary Splash Pad. Opened in 2018, it continues the tradition of providing a safe, welcoming place where children and families can gather and enjoy the outdoors.
More than a century after Rotary's original gift, Cadzow Park continues to demonstrate how a community investment can benefit generations.
Parkview
In the early 1980s, Rotary members recognized that many seniors were leaving St. Marys because suitable housing was unavailable. Rather than simply identifying the problem, Rotary helped lead the vision and development of Parkview, a not-for-profit life lease community built without government funding.
Today, Parkview continues to provide homes for 64 seniors, allowing them to remain connected to their families, friends and community. Rotary's ongoing involvement helps ensure that the original vision continues to benefit future generations.
Parkview demonstrates Rotary's commitment to creating lasting solutions to local needs.
Rotary Youth Exchange
Since 1972, the Rotary Club of St. Marys has been building international friendships through the Rotary Youth Exchange program.
Over the years, Rotary has welcomed 56 students from 25 countries while 79 local students have represented St. Marys in 21 countries around the world. More than 400 host families have opened their homes, creating friendships that continue long after each exchange year has ended.
Rotary Youth Exchange builds confidence, broadens perspectives and creates lifelong ambassadors for communities around the world.
Library Book Donations
A Rotary tradition since 2014 is recognizing guest speakers and special guests by donating a children's book to the St. Marys Public Library in their honour.
Each book includes a personalized bookplate and becomes part of the library's permanent collection, inspiring learning and a love of reading for generations of local children.
As of July 2026, the Rotary Club of St. Marys has donated 529 children's books, demonstrating that even a simple gesture can create a lasting Community Impact.
Mugoiri Secondary School, Kenya
As part of its Centennial celebrations, the Rotary Club of St. Marys partnered with Mugoiri Secondary School in Kenya to create lasting educational opportunities for young people.
Beginning with the construction of essential washroom facilities, the project expanded to include reusable hygiene kits, donated computers and the creation of a dedicated computer lab. Throughout the initiative, Rotary worked alongside local educators to ensure the work would remain sustainable long after the Club's visit.
The Mugoiri project reflects Rotary's commitment to creating lasting educational opportunities by working alongside local communities.
Continue the Story
Community Impact continues throughout the year as Rotary members work with our community on new projects, events and initiatives.
Visit the Rotary Club of St. Marys website to discover our latest news, upcoming events and current Community Impact stories.
Visit the Rotary Club of St. Marys Website
Become Part of the Story
Community Impact doesn't happen by chance. It is made possible by people who care about their community and choose to make a difference.
Whether you are an individual, a family or a business, Rotary invites you to become part of the next chapter of Community Impact by becoming a Community Partner or Business Partner.