The Royal Canadian Legion sees the enhancement of community cenotaph park in downtown Cochrane as not only the opportunity to create a better memorial but a chance to encourage everyday use by families.

The Legion has released the drawings prepared for the project by OnGrowing Works to illustrate how the two-stage project will accomplish just that. Stage one largely focuses upon the bronze, for which the mould is currently being prepared by the Studio West Bronze Foundry, and the cenotaph. Stage two refines the aesthetics and includes landscaping, benches and appropriate walkways to properly accommodate ceremonies and allow people to walk side-by-side. They are also eliminating the existing fencing that is seen as a barrier to regular useage.

Legion 1st vice-president David Usherwood says its a project they would prefer to complete in its entirety this year by Remembrance Day and is encouraging financial contributions by the end of July to make that possible. They currently have about $96,000 in the bank, $65,000 of which was contributed by the Town of Cochrane, and $30,000 from the community. They are also applying for about $50,000 in grants, but there's no guarantee these will be received.

While the numbers are still being crunched, the entire project will cost in the neighbourhood of $220,000.

Even small donations are appreciated and their value shouldn't be underestimated, he says, pointing to their annual Poppy campaign.

"We didn't have large donations last year, but the community supported the poppy campaign to a tune of just shy of $48,000. So all these loonies and twoonies and $5 bills add up," says Usherwood.

Todd Puzey lobbied both the town and Legion for an upgrade to the cenotaph park after mulling over the idea for several years. He has seen stunning memorials in large and small centres alike that put ours to shame. He also believe the park should be designed in such a manner as to encourage regular use.

"Right now its perceived to be a cenotaph park, a ceremonial park, which it is, but it's also a park. We'd like to make it a park with a cenotaph so it can do both things and people will come and sit, have an ice cream, and reflect on the bronze and the names on that wall," says Puzey.

"I think it's gone very smoothly," he says."It has been very well received and everyone has been receptive in town. It's a pretty huge undertaking in the fact that we're trying to do it in one calendar year and I think we're on track to do that, pending funding."

What make this year particularly significant to undertake the project is the Canada 150 celebration and centennials of important battles of World War One, including Vimy Ridge. Research continues, but were at least three Cochrane area men lost their lives at Vimy Ridge and there's a possibility of a few more.

Contributions can be made at the Legion Hall. Those requiring tax receipts can make their donation through the Town of Cochrane.

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