(Cochrane, AB) – Following the online engagement and environmental study conducted earlier this year to assess the Jim Uffelmann Memorial Park, Town staff are hosting a community conversation on Sunday, October 1 from 10am to 2pm to talk to residents and park users about the information gathered to date. The environmental study and public engagement, conducted by external consultant, EDS Group Inc., provided valuable insight into the park use and current conditions.
Jim Uffelmann Memorial Park, spanning 10 acres along the scenic Bow River, has been a hub for various recreational activities.
“Recognizing the park's importance to the community, we kicked off this work earlier this year as an opportunity to get a better sense of how the park is being used today and how it can be used for generations to come,” said Mitch Hamm, Director of Community Services, Town of Cochrane. “More than 1,100 people took the time to provide their feedback through our online survey. In addition, we gathered information through an environmental study to assess its overall health, and engaged with community partners, local organizations and Town staff.”
The community conversation on October 1st provides residents the opportunity to learn about the information gathered to date, including the reasons people visit the park, their preferred uses, as well as valuable feedback on amenities, safety and environmental preservation. In addition, staff will be sharing the results of the geotechnical and environmental findings, as well as the future development and pathway plans for the community. The community conversation will take place in the Jim Uffelmann parking lot adjacent to Spray Lake Sawmills Centre.
"The next steps include finalizing the study, presenting our findings to Council, and ensuring that the park considers the growing needs of the community including a demand for more off-leash dog areas,” added Hamm. “With additional communities being added and future plans for Jim Uffelmann to serve as a vital commuter pathway linking Cochrane to Canmore and Calgary, preserving the park's integrity is paramount."
For those unable to attend the in-person community conversation, the information will be posted on Let’s Talk Cochrane, the Town’s public engagement portal. More information is available at: Jim Uffelmann Park Environmental Study | Let's Talk Cochrane (letstalkcochrane.ca)
- 30 -