Some very excited and dedicated long time Chestermere residents have been quietly working on a project that will allow everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy safe outdoor recreational activities in the New Year.
With a detailed business plan in hand, members of Board of Directors from the newly formed Chestermere Outdoor Recreation Association (CORA) presented their idea to Council on Dec.16th for a temporary, on-land outdoor ice rink.
With a few different locations in mind, the decision was ultimately made with the Town to place the temporary ice rink on town owned land, located behind the Gas Plus on Merganser Drive near Chestermere Blvd. This plan will fall under the new Adopt-a-rink program that the Town has approved and will be the pilot project for the program.
CORA was formed in October 2013. With a plan and passion for supporting Chestermere’s motto of being an “Alberta Oasis”. They are building the first official rink with the town’s support in early 2014. Their plan is for disciplined and steady growth, eventually building a permanent ice rink that can also be utilized for ball hockey, basketball and lacrosse in the summer month. The goal is to eventually introduce soccer pitches and ball diamonds where fundraising and available land allows.
Community Recreation Coordinator for the Town of Chestermere, Jennifer Finnigan said that Council has given her department direction to work with CORA to build an outdoor rink on the land near the Gas Plus. “We are excited to be working with CORA to provide a safe, enjoyable outdoor winter amenity for the whole community to enjoy,” states Finnigan.
Carrie Lentz is a driving force behind CORA and says they are taking their time to ensure they do things right. “There are so many factors to consider when building a rink like this, but with a solid plan and proper research we will be able to bring this much needed facility to Chestermere soon.” Lentz goes onto explain that CORA has already partnered with organizations like Chestermere Minor Hockey Association, CRCA and the Chestermere/Langdon Oilmen’s Association.
Lentz adds that construction for this pilot project can begin in early January 2014 because of the support of sponsors like Rona in Forest Lawn, who has committed to helping with the materials for the project. Additionally, the Town of Chestermere has agreed to assist with the prep of the area as well as maintenance, when weather permits and if they are available.
In the meantime, CORA will be continuing to formulate a plan for sustainable, long-term development that supports the needs for outdoor recreation within Chestermere. “Once our first rink is started we will shift our gaze toward next year – determining a permanent location,” says Lentz. “We are very excited to be working in partnership with the Town of Chestermere who have been wonderful to work with, they are as equally excited as we are about it.”
For more information on CORA visit their website at www.corasports.com
