Nature lovers with a penchant for perusing Cochrane’s pathways will be able to enjoy all of the benefits of the Riverfront Park within a month’s time.
The town will be hosting a grand opening ceremony of the park during the afternoon of Aug. 29 — beckoning the community to come out and celebrate ‘family and nature’; details to be announced.
The crown jewel of the Open Spaces Master Plan, the project has been at the top of the parks department’s priority list post-flood — including flood mitigation; repairs to the pathways and damaged areas along the riverbanks; beautification of the park (which spans from the old steel bridge, east of Riverview, bordering the off-leash dog park to Mitford Park); and the build of facilities and amenities to be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
One of the highlights includes the natural playground, built adjacent to the parking lot situated where Griffin Road meets Hwy 22.
“We wanted to create a gathering space where families could get together,” explained Suzanne Gaida, senior manager of community services for the town.
The gazebo-structure offers a picnic shelter for families enjoying the natural environment, complete with nine fire pits and the natural playground (with a wooden slide and beams).
The highly visible location was key for safety concerns and as a tourist attraction, as well as for the proximity to ample parking.
The trail systems have been improved throughout the park and many may have already noticed sign markers up with the promise of ‘more to come’; interpretive signage will be featured throughout the park — sharing tips and highlights about the fish/fauna/habitat throughout the park and in the Bow River.
Gaida said the town wishes to remind people to be mindful of construction signage, as work continues over the next few weeks.
