Chestermere, AB – In the midst of a snowy February day, Chestermere City Council received a report of projects that were completed in 2016 that will improve residents’ outdoor recreation experience this coming summer.
“We are very pleased to have upgraded or added some great recreation features in Chestermere last year,” said Kathy Russell, Parks and Recreation Manager. “Many projects were completed and residents will be able to enjoy them for the first time this summer.”
Some of the new recreation features residents can look forward to with warmer weather include a new soccer field at East Lake School, a new ball diamond at our Lady of Wisdom School and an upgrade to the beach volleyball court at Sunset Park. By doubling the size and rotating the configuration of the existing beach volleyball court, players will no longer be blinded by the setting sun and will have more space and hours to play.
For runners or walkers, the paving of several pathways and completion of new connections will improve their enjoyment of the City’s trail system. The community garden (located near Chestermere Lake Middle School) was expanded in 2016 and gardeners enjoyed a successful first season. The City also launched its Be Active Chestermere website directory to profile and support recreation providers in the community.
In addition to recreation projects, City staff highlighted a variety of other popular new initiatives from 2016 including Lemonade Day, the Bee City designation, the #LoveChestermere campaign, and the improvements to the Winter Lights Festival.
“We work hard to serve residents as we move towards our vision of becoming Alberta’s Oasis,” said Randy Patrick, Chief Administrative Officer for the City. “I am extremely proud of the quantity and quality of the work we provide, often for lower costs than our municipal counterparts.”
Throughout the report, an ongoing theme focused on resident input for major projects. Significant public engagement opportunities in 2016 included the Multi-Year Budget, pathways, the off-leash space review and the Cove Park upgrade surveys. Resident input received has significantly influenced the scope and plans for these projects.
Finally, the report outlined the completion of several strategic visioning documents including an update to the Municipal Development Plan (MDP), an Economic Development Strategy, Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Standards, a Social Investment Framework and completion of the Recreation Feasibility Study.
As 2017 begins, residents can look forward to the completion of the Centre for Community Leadership building, the beginning of upgrades to Township Road 240, Cove Park enhancements, landscaping upgrades to the off-leash area and road rehabilitation projects.
For more information on past or upcoming City projects, visit www.chestermere.ca/projects.
