Upgrades to the Mitford Park area, which include a structure, skate-changing bench, picnic tables and a permanent electrical feed, are moving forward following this summer’s Kraft Celebration Tour, where Cochrane saw a visit from TSN and received $25
Upgrades to the Mitford Park area, which include a structure, skate-changing bench, picnic tables and a permanent electrical feed, are moving forward following this summer’s Kraft Celebration Tour, where Cochrane saw a visit from TSN and received $25,000 in grant money to go toward the improvement project.
Kelly Kimmett, who was responsible for submitting the application on behalf of the community, stood before council on Oct. 9 to tell them about the first phase of the project and that he continues his search to find matching grant dollars and donations to ensure the proposed renovations to Mitford Park go as planned.
The second phase of the plan would improve the concession area and restoration of some of the equipment at the park.
Phase three would bring bleachers to the playing field area, and the final phase, if enough money is donated from various levels of government, would be to improve the existing soccer field and put in a mini soccer field as well.
“One of the reasons I wanted to see improvements at Mitford Park (was to) make things a little easier for the setup of the Kimmett Cup, ” said Kimmett, adding that he envisions the event continuing for several more years at the location, and that the setup would be that much easier with the proposed upgrades.
Kimmett is hoping to complete the first phase of the upgrades by January of 2013, which would mark the fifth anniversary of the Kimmett Cup.
So far, the Kimmett Cup has raised approximately $100,000 for community projects in and around Cochrane.
The other main reason Kimmett chose to submit the Kraft Celebration Tour application was to highlight the accomplishment of a Cochrane athlete he felt had not received the kudos he should have.
“We told Martin Parnell’s story, ” he said. “I felt that Martin didn’t get enough media attention when he did his 250 marathons, and this was a good way for him to promote what he’s doing now…the 10 quests for kids. ”
Kimmett pointed out that in addition to the $25,000 grant, Cochrane was provided $4,500 for expenses and an additional food and monetary donation from Cochrane IGA, amounting to $3,200 through the store’s Kraft Dinner drive.
“I believe that we really showed a national audience what Cochrane has to offer, ” said Kimmett, thanking the Cochrane Rotary Club, Lions Club, Activettes and 80 volunteers for making the tour a success.
Coun. Ivan Davies praised Kelly and his wife Dianne for all they have done for the community, saying they are an inspiration for many.
“What you’ve given back to the community, ” said Davies, “the $100,000 that goes into the community for different events in the surrounding area is nothing short of absolutely phenomenal. ”
