The Cochrane Rotary Club is the latest local organization to throw their support behind upgrading the community cenotaph park.

During their May 2 meeting, the Rotarians donated $5,000 towards the major upgrade in the works for the cenotaph and the park, estimated to cost a total of $170,000, $120,000 for the new cenotaph and $50,000 for park upgrades.

David Usherwood, first vice-president of the Cochrane Royal Canadian Legion, says the idea is to not only enhance the cenotaph with a new bronze, but to make the parkette more inviting to visitors. 

"It's a community project so we want to make the parkette more accessible than it is right now," he explains. "The walkways are 3 1/2 feet wide. It means that two people can't comfortably walk side by each through the park. There are no park benches. We have antique bears trash cans. We also want to make it visible and that may mean taking down some of the perimeter fences."

"So we want new walkways, we want the bronze in place and we want a new flag pole. It's a wish list but we're working on it."

The Legion also wants to install an irrigation system and a low energy light system.

The new cenotaph will feature a new bronze of a soldier looking down in a memorial pose on a matching granite base. Currently, the bronze is being prepared by Studio West and is being donated at cost and the matching granite will be ordered shortly.

With this latest donation, $95,000 is in the bank and others have said they will be making a contribution. The Legion is also considering applying for a grant through Canada 150.

"We are a community Legion and our membership is growing. We're reaching out to the community and the community has responded in kind," says Usherwood.

Those wanting to make a contribution, big or small, can drop them off at the Legion during operating hours, 4 p.m. to closing. If you require a tax receipt you can make the donation through the town and earmark it to the community cenotaph project. One hundred per cent of the money contributed will be used for the project and the Legion is covering any administrative costs.

The Legion plans to start the upgrades in July and the unveiling of the new bronze is scheduled for Oct. 21.

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Enhancing Our Cenotaph