It’s official: the multisport artificial turf field beside Bow Valley High School in Cochrane will be called Spray Lake Sawmills Legacy Field.
Cochrane Lions Football unveiled the field’s name at a luncheon held at Cochrane Toyota on March 13. They also announced more than $1.6 million has been raised from various donors and supporters – a veritable who’s who of local Cochrane and area businesses.
Cochrane Mayor Ivan Brooker, Rocky View Schools Trustee Fiona Gilbert, as well as Stampeders starting running back Jon Cornish attended the event.
“From a dream to a dream come true,” said Cam Cote, representative of Cochrane Lions Football, who among many others was instrumental in bringing the field to fruition.
The road to the field has not been an easy one, with disagreements over intended purpose, construction materials and a break between Cochrane Lions Minor Football and the Turf Association. However, the issues were resolved and the two groups reconciled. Cote said the relationship between all groups have improved, adding they returned to the original focus of the project – providing a sporting venue for everyone’s benefit.
Brooker said with an artificial turf field to play on, weather would not be as big of an issue. The turf provides a consistent playing surface that doesn’t become muddy or wet. That means the field could get more use throughout the year.
Cornish commented he “absolutely abhors playing on grass,” adding injuries sustained on natural fields can be more catastrophic due to lack of consistency.
What Cornish was really thrilled about, however, was the field’s durability. “What they’ll be gaining is a field that won’t degrade,” he said.
Cote said the aim is to eventually grow seating capacity to 500. A clubhouse and public washrooms are planned for the second phase of the project.
Cote said they hope to open the field by June 1, weather permitting.
