Dog walkers, bikers, and hikers who frequent Jim Uffelmann Park along the Bow River near the SLS Centre will have the opportunity to provide input into its future use, as the Town of Cochrane launches a series of public engagement exercises between now and the fall.
Located adjacent to the Bow River, the 10-acre (four-hectare) park extends from River Avenue in the west to northeast of the SLS Centre. As one of Cochrane’s most popular multi-purpose parks, it serves many different community members and hosts a multitude of activities, including pathways for walking and cycling, a designated off-leash dog park, asphalt trails, open park space, and multiple river access points.
However, the various park activities and priorities have historically come with challenges for users and the natural environment.
In a press release dated Feb. 21, the Town stated the initial public and stakeholder engagement is anticipated to be completed by the end of the following week.
Following that, on-site assessments will take place in spring and summer of this year, and a draft report will be prepared and a follow-up round of engagement will be completed next fall, according to the release.
“The final document will then be finalized in late fall of 2023 before being brought forward to town council for endorsement in November 2023,” it stated.
The Town is working with an external consultant, EDS Group Inc., on the initiative.
The study is to assess the environmental health of the park based on current recreational uses, and to identify environmentally sensitive areas that require greater consideration in any future design or usage changes.
The final report will also outline a set of recommendations for required remediation and mitigation based on industry best practice, and how to balance human use of the park with protection of the natural environment.
“The project includes review of all existing relevant planning documents, a comprehensive public engagement program, geotechnical investigations, a phase one environmental site assessment, and a park usage pattern and condition assessment,” the Town’s press release stated. “These reviews and assessments will allow us to obtain a clear picture of the park's environmental condition and truly understand how current recreational uses are affecting it.
“Once we have a thorough understanding of the park condition and recreational impacts we will make recommendations for how the park's environment can be protected and enhanced while allowing for responsible recreation.”
There are plans for a community-wide public engagement survey, aimed for mid-to-late March, which will allow all Cochranites the opportunity to provide their feedback. There will be additional targeted stakeholder engagement meetings throughout the following months.
“Understanding the importance of this park to the community, we are looking forward to providing residents and regular park users the opportunity to voice their opinion, helping provide valuable feedback when determining the future of the park,” said Mitchell Hamm, Director of Community Services, Town of Cochrane, in the release.
“This project delivers on council’s Strategic Plan, as it will help foster a vibrant and active community, while continuing to protect, nurture and enjoy Cochrane’s many beautiful natural areas and open spaces.”
Once complete, the consultant will analyze the environmental data, park usage, public opinion and community feedback on the future development of the park and provide a recommendation to council in the late fall of 2023.
For more information, visit Cochrane.ca/uffelmannparkstudy or Jim Uffelmann Park Environmental Study (arcgis.com).
