Three New Parks to Visit This Fall
Bouldering, hammocks and pickleball courts are just a few of the amenities at Calgary's newest parks
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Calgary gets a lot of attention for its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, which we definitely agree are wonderful. But having such grand neighbours can lead people to overlook the outdoor spaces in the city, and that’s a shame. Calgary is home to many urban parks big and small, and this week we’re visiting three new spots — two in central Calgary and one on the city’s northwestern edge.
Brawn Family Foundation Rotary Park
Tucked into the northwest community of Hounsfield Heights/Briar Hill, this new park is designed to support youth and teen mental health recovery. Brawn Family Foundation Rotary Park is beside The Summit, a new health centre for youth, on a quiet residential street.
You’ll find a neat range of features here, from a basketball hoop and large bouldering structure to hammocks — which we’ve never seen in a park before — numerous swinging benches and signage offering uplifting messages and encouragement to enjoy nature.
While this space is sure to be well-used by the families and kids receiving support at The Summit, it’s also a fantastic spot for anyone to stop by, slow down and recharge.
Pixel Park
A few years ago, the city-owned Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) set up a temporary basketball court in the East Village, behind the new Central Library, and called it The Bounce Games Park. Cailynn worked near this spot and saw firsthand how a little paint and sports equipment transformed a vacant lot. Now CMLC has done a similar activation a few blocks away, in the so-called Culture and Entertainment District it is redeveloping.
Pixel Park, at 12th Avenue S.E. and Macleod Trail, hosts a smattering of activities, including a skate park, pickleball courts and off-leash dog park. You can also borrow equipment (think balls, paddles and pinnies) between 12-6 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. There’s also lots of seating and public washrooms (a rarity in this city!).
Note this park is temporary, with the future use of the land unknown. Still, it’s great to see some colour and energy here. The site has been empty since the historic Enoch Sales House fire in 2019.
Haskayne Legacy Park
Haskayne Legacy Park is a 126-hectare park that opened in mid-September following years of delay. The park is located past the far northwest suburbs of Tuscany and Rocky Ridge, and its northwest boundary borders Glenbow Provincial Park.
Much of Haskayne Legacy park is covered in native fescue grassland and the paved walking paths offer views of the Bearspaw Reservoir, though you can not access the water from the park.
The park features a large pavilion building, which was closed when we visited but should be bookable by the public next year. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to wander and perhaps spot some birds, check out this simple new park.
P.S. Have Your Say on Calgary’s Parks Plan
Love Calgary’s parks? Have ideas for improvements? The City of Calgary is working on its next 20-year plan on developing, redeveloping and managing parks — and they want to hear your thoughts. You can provide online feedback here and find out about virtual and in-person events for Calgary’s Parks Plan.
