The recreational use of land being annexed by the Town of Cochrane will be the focus at the Saturday, Mar. 16 delegation day of the Cochrane Parks and Recreation Committee. 

Potential user groups, large or small, are welcomed to make a presentation on their organization to the public committee but need to book in advance. They can do so by emailing tanya.fiwchuk@cochrane.ca or phoning her directly at 403-851-2590.

About 128 acres of land earmarked for recreational use is expected to fall within Cochrane corporate limits as of July 1 and it has the potential of being the most exciting multi-use recreational development in Cochrane for some time.

Unlike the tri-site task force, which explored the use of three pieces of town-owned land in the downtown core, this property is specifically earmarked as a destination sports park, explains Gerry Murphy, community services senior manager.

They already have four presentations confirmed for Saturday, including the Bow Valley Rugby Club, Bike Cochrane and pickleball and mixed slowpitch league. He expects eight to 10 presentations will be heard.

"This is not the only opportunity but for those who would like to bring their particular active recreation to the forefront, this is a great opportunity."

The meeting is being held in the council chambers of the Cochrane RancheHouse on Saturday, Mar. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hours will be extended if necessary. It's open to the public to attend.

Some basic elements have been penciled in for development on the land, including a boarded rink, clubhouse with washrooms, warming shelter and change rooms, and parking.

One thing that won't be considered is rodeo grounds.

"It was one time thought it would be a good replacement for the rodeo grounds but that's no longer the case," says Murphy. "Some of the restrictions that we're going to have on this site--it being a school site and its proximity to the gas plant--there will be some restrictions that will be placed on us as to what we can and can't do there."

This is the second delegation held since the committee was formed last spring.

Planning services have set aside $100,000 to prepare a comprehensive master site development plan.