Rocky View Schools (RVS) celebrated the grand opening of Cochrane’s new artificial turf field with a ceremony before Cochrane High School’s football Jamboree. Trustees and officials from RVS were joined by Banff-Airdrie Member of Parliament Blake Richards, Town of Cochrane Councillor Susan Flowers, Rocky View County Reeve Crystal Kissel and Cochrane Track and Field Association President Leslie Ann Kalman for the ceremony.

“On behalf of RVS, we’re thrilled to support physical activity and player safety through this project, not only for our students in Cochrane but also for the broader community,” said Greg Luterbach, Superintendent of Schools. “Today’s event is a moment of celebration for all the athletes, families, donors and partners who worked hard to make this artificial turf field a reality. I’m glad RVS could play a part in this project.”

Located between Cochrane High School, Manachaban Middle School and Elizabeth Barrett Elementary School, the field will be used by students, the community and visitors for educational, recreational and cultural purposes. It is permanently marked for football, rugby and soccer and has a certified rugby shock pad.

“On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to see teams take to the new field for today’s jamboree,” said Fiona Gilbert, RVS trustee for the Town of Cochrane. “We look forward to many years of continued use of the artificial turf for RVS students and our entire community.” 

Funding for the $2.5 million project came from the Town of Cochrane, Rocky View County, private donations, RVS and a federal investment through the Canadian Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF).

The CCRF is a two-year $500 million national infrastructure program to support communities across the country with projects that revitalize downtown cores and main streets, reinvent outdoor spaces, create green infrastructure and address accessibility of community spaces. The CCRF is administered by PrairiesCan in Alberta. 

“Today’s opening of Cochrane’s new multi-purpose artificial turf field is a reflection of this community’s shared commitment to creating accessible spaces where people of all ages and abilities can participate in sports and recreational activities,” said The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “Our government is making important investments that enable communities across the Prairies to build and modernize local infrastructure that contributes to a high quality of life for residents and visitors.”

“Cochrane is one of Alberta’s and Canada’s fastest growing communities, and today’s milestone will help meet the growing demand for accessible sports and recreational opportunities that everyone can take part in,” said George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview. “I’m proud that the federal government is making an investment that creates more opportunities for Cochrane residents of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Among their benefits, artificial turf fields like the one at the Cochrane tri-schools can reduce athlete injuries. Turf fields do not require watering, pesticides or herbicides and can be used during and after inclement weather without damage. The new field also features outdoor lighting, allowing games and practices to take place for more hours.

“I am so proud of what we have achieved with this amazing project,” said Leslie Ann Kalman, President of the Cochrane Track and Field Association. “This has been a true community collaboration, and we thank every group and donor who worked together to make this happen. Let the games begin!”

Construction of the field upgrade project began in August 2022 and was completed earlier this school year. External groups interested in accessing the turf field can contact RVS’ Community Use team to learn more about access and rentals.

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