Cochranites can expect to see some changes along the banks of the Bow River, as Riverfront Park begins to take shape.
Construction on the first phase of the park is set to begin this month, according to Suzanne Gaida, senior manager of community services at the Town of Cochrane. She said the construction manager — Calgary’s Ground3 Landscape Architects — is gunning for a May 15 start.
Phase One of the Riverfront Park construction will take place along the banks in the community of Riverview.
“The plan is to realign and pave the pathways behind the homes in Riverview,” said Gaida.
The realignment will see a 450-metre section of the Riverview west trail pulled back from the Bow River due to severe erosion along the north bank. During an open house session in September, Gaida walked residents along the (then proposed) re-aligned trail.
She said resident concerns have been taken into account — the new path will be constructed as far from homes as possible in an effort to maximize green space behind lots as well as privacy for the homeowners.
Gaida estimated the first phase of construction to finish mid-July.
The second phase of the Riverfront Park construction is slated to begin in June and includes raising and creating new pathways, replacing the shale paths with hardier asphalt, developing multi-use green spaces and putting in firepits and picnic tables for recreational use.
Pedestrians are asked to take heed and obey signs while wandering the banks of the Bow River during construction.
The updated Riverfront Park Concept Plan can be found at cochrane.ca.
