It looks like Mitford Park will be getting a bit of a facelift, courtesy of the federal government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund and the Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Memorial Foundation.
Wild Rose MP Blake Richards made the announcement April 3 that support from the Canadian government to the foundation will be put towards park upgrades, which is home to the Kimmett Cup, the foundation’s annual pond hockey tournament.
“… Through initiatives like this, we are helping to boost economic activity, while ensuring Cochrane families have access to important community spaces for years to come,” stated Richards in a media release.
Kelly Kimmett, president of the foundation and father of the late Lindsay Kimmett, was on hand, along with his wife Dianne Kimmett, to accept the cheque for a cool $12,532.
Kelly Kimmett said in a press release that the foundation was grateful that the financial contribution “will support our mission statement of making someone’s tomorrow better.”
“The federal government’s investment in the Mitford Park improvements will significantly boost out community’s enjoyment of this treasured park for sports, arts and other recreational activities,” he continued.
Improvements to the park include upgrading the concession and the electrical system, said Kimmett. In addition, he said the covered stage will have its floor upgraded and a storage area constructed beneath it — housing Kimmett Cup props, like rink boards.
He said he anticipates these improvements to be completed by the end of this fall.
There are also plans to create a bench and changing area along the Mitford pond, giving pond users a place to sit, tie their skates or hold events, said Kimmett. He said he’s currently waiting to hear from the provincial government about funding for this project, but added that, if required, a portion of the proceeds from the Monumental Tournament of Aces golf tournament will go towards the development.
The federal government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public.
Initiated as part of Economic Action Plan 2012, the government committed $150 million over two years for the fund.
Earlier this year, the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area received $25,000 from the fund to be put towards basic repair and maintenance to the club’s facility.
