(Cochrane, AB) – The Town of Cochrane in partnership with Variety - the Children’s Charity of Alberta, is inviting residents to celebrate the grand opening of Samuel Spicer Playground on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.
The renewed playground offers a variety of play opportunities for children and families and incorporates inclusive and accessible play elements designed to support children of different ages and abilities
The renewal of Samuel Spicer Park was shaped by community feedback. Between July and September 2025, residents were invited to share what mattered most to them as the Town planned for the future of the playground and surrounding park space. Through that engagement, residents identified a desire for play opportunities serving a range of ages, improved accessibility, traditional and active play features, comfortable places for families to gather, and the preservation of the park's open space and natural character. That feedback helped inform the design of the renewed playground and park improvements.
“This is a meaningful addition for Cochrane families. Residents told us they wanted a playground with opportunities for children of different ages and abilities, and this renewed space reflects that feedback. Thank you to Variety and all the partners who helped make this project possible.” says Cochrane Mayor Morgan Nagel.
The project represents an investment of more than $450,000 and was made possible through collaboration between the Town of Cochrane, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta, the Government of Alberta, and local industry and community partners.
“Play is such an important part of childhood, it’s where kids build friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging. Variety is proud to partner with the Town of Cochrane and the community to bring more inclusive and accessible play opportunities to Samuel Spicer Playground. Projects like this help remove barriers to play and create spaces where more children of different ages and abilities can play, connect and grow alongside one another. We are incredibly grateful to the partners, donors and community members who helped make this project possible.” — Jana Hands, CEO, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta.
The Town of Cochrane and Variety recognize the many organizations and community partners whose contributions helped bring the project to life, including Inter Pipeline, Ledcor Group, the Government of Alberta, Government of Canada, Cochrane Foundation, Bow Rivers Edge Campground Society, Rotary Club of Cochrane, Cochrane Lions Club, Kiwanis Club of Cochrane, Alberta Tire Recycling, Volker Stevin, Heidelberg Materials, JCL Construction Inc., Clintar Landscape Management, Barkman, Bravura Engineering Inc., Cardel Homes and CLS Landscape Supply.
Mayor Nagel, MLA Peter Guthrie, project partners, families and community members will join the celebration. The event will include opening remarks, recognition of project partners, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and time for children and families to enjoy the new playground.
The grand opening runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 99 W. McManus Rd. Cochrane. Light refreshments will be provided.
Residents and families are invited to attend, explore the renewed playground and celebrate the community input, partnerships and contributions that helped bring the project to life.
For more details about the grand opening, visit: https://www.cochrane.ca/samuelspicerevent.
For more information about the Samuel Spicer Playground project, visit: https://www.cochrane.ca/projects-plans-development/capital-projects/playground-revitalization-samuel-spicer-park-playground.
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