There are variables, but Cochrane Legion 1st vice-president David Usherwood believes another $20,000 from the public might be what's needed for the Legion to push forward with both phases of the downtown Cenotaph Park major enchancement.this fall.

Usherwood, who also heads the cenotaph committee, says the community has been very supportive of the project and they're getting close to their fundraising target to complete the entire project in time to hold an unveiling in late October.

That, however, is contingent upon receiving a total of $75,000 from provincial and federal government grants and the Legion hopes to get word in August. The entire project is estimated to cost $215,000.

Currently they have $112,000 in contributions and another $10,000 has been pledged, which basically gives them the funds necessary to complete the first phase that focuses on upgrading the cenotaph. It will feature a stunning seven foot bronze statue of a soldier looking downward in a memorial stance. The mold is currently being prepared by the widely acclaimed Studio West Bronze Foundry, of Cochrane.

The park design continues to evolve and has recently been modified to include two flag poles, one on either side.

Still, the bigger picture being pursued by the Legion is to make it a community park people will use year-round. There will be benches, improved and widen walkways and the general aestetics will be enhanced. The town has agreed to removed the fence on the perimeter to help press home this point and it will come down in the near future.

Usherwood was thrilled to see the park being utilized by families during the Canada Day celebration and he uses this to illustrate his point of making it user friendly.

"The cenotaph should be kept in reverence for those who have fallen, but it's important that the park be used and not be a green patch where people are fearful to tread," says Usherwood.

"This is a town park and the Legion is doing this because we care about the cenotaph, but we're also doing it as our contribution back to the community because we are a community Legion."

He says completing the project this year will give residents something to look back at as a community Canada 150 project and it will also help acknowledge the centennial of a series of significant battles Canadian troops fought in 1917.

To make it possible to complete this year, funds need to be in place by the end of August.

You can make donations at the Cochrane Legion, 114-5th Ave. Should you require tax receipts, contributions can be made through the Town of Cochrane.

READ MORE:
New Cenotaph Drawings Released