The ground has been broken for a new multi-sports field
The ground has been broken for a new multi-sports field: Private donors, community-minded businesses, volunteers, and governments, have joined hands together. They aim to bring life to a sports field project in the works for several years.
The ground was dismantled. It gave way for the new $2.5 million artificial multi-sports field. The field is adjacent to Cochrane High School. The upgrade will be completed in October. A sod-turning ceremony took place on Aug. 2. It was held in front of the work underway by Wilcox Artificial Turf Construction.
An amount of $2.5 million in public and private donations was secured. This included a $1.2 million anonymous donation. This amount anchored the entire project.
The Towns of Cochrane and Rocky View County (RVC) contributed $600,000. A $500,000 grant came from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund.
“This project was an easy thing to fund and support from the Town of Cochrane’s point of view. Especially given the fact that it is costing us 25 percent of what it would cost if we were to fund the entire project,” mentions Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung.
RVC Mayor Don Kochan has the belief that many sports-minded county residents will be benefited. They can play on the safe and state-of-the-art turf. His son used to play for the Cochrane Cobras football team several years ago.
“We have private donors, we have Cochrane donating, so it was an easy decision as far as donating $600,000 towards this project.”
The town and county gave donations to the first artificial turf. It was opened in Cochrane at the Bow Valley High School six years ago.
The new multi-sports field is for football, rugby, and soccer. The field has a certified rugby shock pad. Improvements are made to lighting, scoreboard, fencing, and bleachers.
Tara McFadden is the chairperson of the town’s parks and recreation committee.
She called it a victory for Cochrane.
“I want to applaud the Cochrane Track and Field Association for their tenaciousness in making this happen, not only for students but Cochrane as a whole. I am really excited to be here celebrating with them.”
Fundraising continues to pour in. These are for the new scoreboard and bleachers.
Leslie Ann Kalman is the president of the Cochrane Track and Field Association.
50% of the funds for the score clock have been secured. Two $15,000 sponsorship spots remain.
There was a strong initial response to the bleacher fundraising. All contributions are sought. If someone donates $250, the donor’s name will permanently be attached to the bleacher seat. A donation of $7,000 will sponsor a complete bleacher section. Cochrane will have no tracks.