Jonathan Pitre Park is Now Open!

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of Jonathan Pitre Park this morning.

Members of Council, staff, special guests, and residents helped celebrate the opening of the new park located at 150 Sportsplex Road, near the Sports Dome.

The new park includes an accessible play structure, swings, boat structure, and exercise equipment. There are also tennis and basketball courts. It’s the first accessible park in the Township of Russell.

Jonathan Pitre Park is named in honour of Russell’s butterfly boy, Jonathan Pitre. Jonathan Pitre was a resident of the Township of Russell who fought a difficult and long battle with Epidermolysis bullosa, and unfortunately passed April 8, 2018. He is known as the ''Butterfly Child'' due to his disease, which made his skin as fragile as butterfly wings.

In attendance was special guest Tina Boileau, Jonathan’s mother.

“I can’t thank the community enough,” said Tina Boileau. “This park represents everything our Township of Russell community is about. A place where everyone is welcome, and everyone is home.”

Jonathan’s strength, courage, and determination during his fight inspired us all to thrive, no matter the different barriers we may face.

“We are beyond proud to have this accessible park in our community,” says Mayor Pierre Leroux. “This is an inclusive space for everyone to explore, play, and be active.”

“We wanted the design of the park to represent Jonathan,” noted Celine Guitard, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We honoured our butterfly boy in even the smallest details, like adding butterfly designs throughout the park.”

The new park was funded by the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, the New Horizons for Seniors Program, municipal reserves, and generous community donations. The $1.8 million project is part of the Township’s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan. It also marks Phase 1 and 2 of the future Recreation Complex, which will soon be the community hub for recreation and culture.