Greystone park delivers big on recreation and community vision
- Burnswest Properties
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Written by Noel Edey Tuesday, Jun 10 2025 - CochraneNOW
The new park area in Cochrane's Greystone community earned the praise of hundreds of people gathered for its grand opening on Saturday, June 7.
Its 20 pickleball courts are now open, complemented by a basketball court and a playground. Washroom amenities are nearing completion, a pickleball sound barrier is on order, and two new ball diamonds are set to open next spring.
“This has exceeded what I thought was possible,” said a visibly pleased Josh Hagen, vice-president of development at Burnswest Properties. “This park really speaks for itself — not only for the residents of Greystone, but for Cochrane as a whole and beyond. It’s just awesome.”
The park is attracting visitors from well beyond Greystone — and that’s the whole idea. It’s not unusual to see families stop in while out on bike rides.
“A park of this size and scale, with all the amenities it offers, is certainly intended for much more than the residents of Greystone,” said Hagen.
Front and centre are the more than $2.2-million pickleball courts, made possible by a significant contribution from Burnswest and a $1-million grant from the provincial government. The facility features 18 regular courts and two wheelchair-accessible courts — the first of their kind in Alberta, according to Greg Young, president of the Cochrane Pickleball Club.
“We believe it will be an extraordinary and valuable asset to the Town of Cochrane and surrounding communities,” said Young, who took time to thank all those involved in the project.
Among them was Joanne Ferster, who played a key role in bringing this project — and the four pickleball courts in East Cochrane — to life.
“I am beyond thrilled,” said Ferster. “I’ve had many sleepless nights through the trials and tribulations of getting this all done. It’s all come together, it looks beautiful, and we love it. We are very thankful.”
With 20 courts, the pickleball club now qualifies to host provincial and national tournaments. While none are currently planned, a Charity Classic tournament is scheduled for Aug. 18–20, followed by the club championships from Sept. 12–14.
Before the courts were announced, the club had 252 members. That number has since grown to 457, not counting casual players. Twelve courts are reserved for club use, while the others are managed by the town.
Hagen said the entire Greystone community has developed faster than anyone anticipated.
When Burnswest broke ground three years ago, they expected the full build-out to take up to nine years. Now, they’re completing the 10th and final phase.
““From ground-breaking to the completion of our last phase, it will be just over three years," said Hagen. "It’s amazing. The rapid success of Greystone is a true testament to the deep-rooted partnerships we’ve fostered along this enormous journey.”
He credited Kim Burns, widow of the late Jeff Burns, who had long envisioned transforming the former gravel pit into a vibrant community space.
“During the most challenging time, Kim chose to trust, chose to believe, chose to support and empower Burnswest to bring to life the vision that started with her late husband, Jeff,” said Hagen. “You are the reason we’re all standing here today. You are the reason why Greystone will soon be home to 2,500 residents who will get to experience life in a truly connected community — a place where parents can watch their kids play baseball and basketball, where generations can play pickleball together, and where children can enjoy the playground.”
Two more parks are currently in development in Greystone.
“We’ve made sure we have an overabundance of parks, and I think the ones we build are really top-notch,” said Hagen.
He wouldn’t disclose the exact price tag of the new park.
“It’s a lot,” he said with a chuckle. “But if you ask all of us here at Burnswest, it’s money well spent. One of Burnswest’s core values is to provide good-quality products and a vibrant, mixed-use community where people can live, work, and yes — play.”
His one remaining hope is to secure a hotel, which remains part of the overall vision for the development.
During the celebration, hundreds enjoyed a free barbecue and treats from two food trucks. A balloon twister and caricaturist entertained families, and visitors toured both single-family and multi-family showhomes. There was also a preview of upcoming commercial developments.
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