Winter fun draws families to Shakespeare’s Optimist Hill

Enjoying a day on the Shakespeare Optimist Hill are, from left, Chloe Cutone, nine, Rylee Willock, nine, Sydney Langis, 11, Summer Cutone, 11, and Ben Willock, 11, with parents Jenna Cutone, Kaleigh Willock and Sean Willock looking on. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Fresh snowfall over the weekend brought plenty of winter fun to Shakespeare as families from the village and surrounding area made the most of ideal outdoor conditions.

One of the busiest spots was the Optimist Hill, located beside and north of the Optimist Hall, where children and parents alike enjoyed a full day of tobogganing. The popular hill, developed years ago through the efforts of the Shakespeare Optimist Club in partnership with Perth East Township and support from an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, continues to be a focal point for winter recreation in the community. A light at the top of the hill allows for safe evening use, extending the fun well beyond daylight hours.

Former Optimist of the Year and charter member Murray McTavish said the club has always believed in investing in spaces that promote healthy, active living for local youth. Along with the toboggan hill, the adjoining soccer field was also developed so children could enjoy both winter and summer activities. The Shakespeare Optimist Club has now been serving the community for more than 52 years.

McTavish noted the original inspiration for the hill dates back to 2002, when the late Ruth McNeil, a much-loved kindergarten teacher at nearby Sprucedale Public School, expressed a wish for a small hill where her students could play. That simple idea sparked a larger vision. With support from her husband, Gil, who helped establish the local Optimist Club, plans were set in motion for a toboggan hill, walking path and soccer field. Heavy equipment was brought in to shape the hill residents enjoy today, with funding shared among the Optimist Club, the township and the Trillium Foundation.

The park continues to evolve with an exercise pad and an upgraded, six-foot-wide paved walking path that now stretches roughly a kilometre around the perimeter of the grounds. Club members say the ongoing improvements reflect the Optimist commitment to creating positive spaces for families.

The Optimist Club also notes that new members are always welcome, inviting anyone interested in supporting youth and community initiatives to get involved.