In late 2023, The City committed $18 million over the next 3 years to improve community parks and playgrounds. The Parks and Playground Amenities (PAPA) program is now underway with over 20 projects that enhance existing community parks and open spaces with the addition of new and upgraded playground equipment, recreational amenities, and infrastructure upgrades.
The City has partnered with Parks Foundation Calgary (PFC) on the planning, design and construction of a select number of Parks and Playground Amenities program projects including the country’s first Dementia Inclusive Park in Dover, playground upgrades in Forest Lawn, Saddle Ridge and Applewood and a new shade structure in Skyview Ranch.
All 2024 Parks and Playground Amenities program funding has been allocated, while eligible community projects to be funded over the next two years of the program are still being planned and finalized. “Communities in Calgary are evolving, and we’re thrilled to be offering new and different ways for all Calgarians to enjoy our Parks – whether that’s at an upgraded playground or by gathering for a competitive round of disc golf,” says Kyle Ripley, Director of Parks & Open Spaces.
Projects scheduled for 2024 include the revitalization of the Chinese Cemetery in Erlton, improved entrances at Confederation Park and Riley Park and the addition of recreation activities including a disc golf course in Vista Heights and a cricket and soccer pitch in Silverado.
“The fact that every community deserves areas to play, gather, and connect was the driving force behind Council’s $18 million investment to transform our parks and playground infrastructure. These projects will ensure Calgarians have access to welcoming, safe, and engaging outdoor spaces that reflect the diverse needs of our City,” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek.
The program’s focus on playground enhancement ensures that Calgarians have access to new, inclusive, and accessible playgrounds across the city. Of note, community engagement has begun in Huntington Hills, Beddington Heights, Bowness, Dover and Ranchlands as select parks in these communities with under-used and aging play spaces will be improved with new and upgraded playground equipment or reimagined as spaces to play and gather. Local park improvements are also being planned across the city with the addition of picnic tables, benches and ping pong tables that encourage community members to connect with these spaces, and each other.
New and improved park spaces
A number of new regional parks and improvements to existing parks are also being planned as we connect with Calgarians to collect feedback on what they’d like to see and experience in our parks. This year, public engagement has been completed or is upcoming for regional parks in Seton, Cornerstone, Medicine Hill, and Marlborough. Engagement and design work is also underway for Park improvements associated with the Beaumont Circus redevelopment project, and was recently completed for Munro Park. A pop-up summer park in Kingsland provides new spaces to play, socialize, relax and gather. This temporary activation is situated near the former Kingsland School site at the corner of 5 St SW and 75 Ave SW and includes recreational activities like mini golf, table hockey, ping pong, Gaga ball, and seating options like Muskoka chairs and picnic tables. In addition, construction will be starting this summer to bring beach volleyball courts to the community of Tuxedo Park, improvements to Pumphouse Park and upgrades to Sandy Beach Park. Buckmaster Park and Humpy Hollow Park will also fully re-open to the public later this summer once construction activities are complete at these sites.
