Cochrane’s Parks and Recreation Committee heard seven pitches on March 16 highlighting each organization’s vision for the 130 acres of land annexed north of Cochrane.
“All presenters had well laid out presentations that articulated their visions for the future,” said Cochrane's, Gerry Murphy, senior manager of community services.
The committee heard presentations from Bike Cochrane, Bow Valley Rugby Club, Cochrane Pickleball Club, Cochrane Mixed Slo Pitch, Cochrane BMX, Cochrane Rangers Soccer Club and disc golf.
“It was a really positive experience,” said Jason Lowe, who represented the Bow Valley Rugby club.
Lowe said that if awarded land, the rugby club would use it to develop a new multi-use sports pitch that will accommodate their club’s growth.
Plans for the new development would include a food and beverage facility and a changing facility for teams.
The Alberta Cup is hosted annually by the Bow Valley Rugby Club, and the new facility would allow them to expand the tournament to include the 7 to 11-year-old division.
Lowe said the club is excited by the increase in opportunities for sport in Cochrane and that the club is happy to have been a part of the process since the beginning.
The Cochrane Rangers Soccer Club also presented to the committee but instead of asking for space on the new land, requested upgrades to its current facility.
The Rangers’ soccer pitch has a class B designation and hopes to have lights and a changing facility installed allowing them to be classified as a class A facility.
“Our pitch is one of the best in the Calgary area,” said Jonathan Wilcox, president of the Cochrane Rangers Soccer Club.
The next mandate of the Cochrane Parks and Recreation Committee is to issue a recommendation to town council, but a timeline has yet to be determined.
“We are trying to make sure we are doing this efficiently, but we don’t want to rush it,” said Tara McFadden.
The land annexed north of Heritage Hills totals to 160 acres. About 30-acres of the site is designated for future high school.
