Town administration agrees there is a "true need" for a playground in the Precedence neighbourhood, just not on the land originally designated.
Drew Hyndman, town executive director of development and infrastructure, says the town was involved in changing the design for the 0.6 acre green space that is surrounded by roads on all four sides.
It determined the area was too small and unsafe.
The town's sub-neighbourhood park requirement with a playground is 1.0 to 3.7 acres in size, making this area too small to accommodate playground equipment.
"Administration recognizes there is a true need for a playground within Precedence and is dedicated to work with the community to determine a more suitable ultimate location for residents and their children to play and enjoy their neighbourhood," says Hyndman.
He says the town's Community Safety & Well-Being department will lead this initiative, ensuring that safety, recreational needs, placemaking, and operational considerations are evaluated to ensure the best outcomes for our residents, their children, and our community.
Town officials met with the Riversong Community Association on Nov. 7 and are actively exploring opportunities for a suitable playground site within the community.
On Nov. 17, residents of the south Cochrane community gathered for a photo to draw attention to the issue and launched a petition. Organizers are going door-to-door to gather signatures for the petition they intend to present to town council.
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The conceptual design for the park was initially completed as part of the Riversong Stage 3 Neighbourhood Plan approved by town council in April 2017 and included playground equipment for all ages, a pathway connection, seating and landscaping.
Madlee Development ran into challenges while completing the detailed design and brought it to the town's attention, Hyndman explains. The developer questioned whether it would be a suitable location and requested town administration to further evaluate the original vision.
"Administration completed a further analysis and determined that in accordance with the town’s Parks & Open Spaces Master Plan, this green space would fall under the incidental open space category, which is not an appropriate location for a playground due to its limited size," he says.
As a result, the town requested the area be redesigned to include a sitting/gathering area, pathway connection, landscaping, garbage cans, and open space for physical activity and pets. The redesign work was completed in early 2024, approved by town administration, and its development is expected to be completed within a few weeks.
Some residents are of the understanding a playground is required in all new neighbourhoods, but that's not the case, says Hyndman.
"Each neighbourhood is planned with the dedication of a variety of different open spaces, depending upon the specific needs of each community," he explains.
In some communities, much of the open space is dedicated to school site/s and linear pathways. In others, there's the opportunity to include playgrounds if identified as a need.