Munro Park upgrades
Munro Park upgrades
Munro Park is a community park located at the corner of 18 Avenue and Edmonton Trail N.E. in the Winston Heights Mountview neighbourhood.
Project update - December 2025
Landform Inc. has been selected as the contractor for the Munro Park upgrades. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026 and continue until fall 2026, depending on the final construction schedule. We will share more detailed timelines and updates as they become available. Please visit the FAQ section at the bottom of this page to learn more about the most common questions we receive about the project.
The new design
In the final phase of engagement, nearby residents were invited to share feedback on the updated park design. The design keeps many well-loved features, including the walking loop, mature trees, open playfield, and fitness equipment.
It also adds new elements such as:
- A Nature Kids’ Play Zone
- Salvaged public art from Olympic Plaza
- A community plaza with space to gather
- Green infrastructure like bioretention (rain) gardens
- A naturalized garden perimeter
- Many new trees and a new irrigation system
- A 3-on-3 basketball court
- Additional seating, bike racks, and a water fountain
The overall concept is Urban Rewilding, which reflects the community’s preference for native gardens and natural spaces.
All improvements are subject to change based on final construction pricing, which may vary due to market conditions. You can view the final park design here: engage.calgary.ca/munropark
Location
Address: 425 18 Ave NE
Hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Project timeline
Construction: Spring – Fall 2026
*Construction activities are dependent on several factors. Timelines may change due to inclement weather, complexity, supply chain, and/or other unexpected circumstances.
Naturalizing areas in Munro Park
As part of the upgrades, Munro Park will include naturalized areas. Naturalization means turning parts of the park into more natural spaces.
At Munro Park, naturalization is part of Urban Rewilding - a move from manicured lawns to supporting vibrant native ecosystems. This includes endangered prairie Rough Fescue grasslands, pollinator gardens, and native tree groves that bring more wildlife, cleaner air, and stronger connections to nature.
At first, these areas may look less “tidy” than traditional lawns. Native plants can take longer to establish than traditional garden plants. Over time, they will grow into thriving, beautiful spaces full of life. Please be patient and respect temporary fencing and keep dogs out of new plantings so they can establish.
These areas provide habitat for native plants, insects, birds, and small animals like rabbits and voles. They also make parks healthier and more resilient by reducing the need for mowing, irrigation, pesticides, and fertilizer.
Healthy ecosystems also benefit the whole city. They are better at handling pests and extreme weather, and research shows that parks with high ecological value can even increase nearby property values.
Salvaged art from Olympic Plaza is coming to Munro Park
Get ready to stroll through history with a creative twist! The “Centennial Grove” art installation - originally created in 2010 by Garth Balls and Yogi Navagrah of IBI Group - once stood proudly at Olympic Plaza. Now, it’s getting a fresh new life in the west side plaza of Munro Park, where it will welcome visitors from Edmonton Trail.
This refreshed installation celebrates 10 years of Calgary Parks legacy and was inspired by Alberta’s iconic aspen groves. Fittingly, it will be surrounded by newly planted aspens in Munro Park, connecting the art to its natural roots. Even cooler? The poles and grasses will be arranged to echo the historic garden layout that existed here in the 1950s and '60s - a subtle nod to the past, reimagined for today.
And now for a pop of colour and a pinch of mischief...
The beloved Richardson ground squirrel sculptures are making a comeback! Originally designed by landscape architect Kristina Prins for Calgary Parks’ 100th anniversary and once nestled in the Olympic Plaza brick wall, these cheeky little figures have found a new home here in the park.
Native to Calgary’s short grass prairies, Richardson’s ground squirrels are more than just cute faces. Their burrows support entire ecosystems, providing homes for creatures like burrowing owls, salamanders, and bumblebees, and serving as a food source for hawks and other predators.
These playful sculptures are packed with personality - so keep your eyes open. You never know where one might be popping up next!
Parking, accessibility and maintenance
Munro Park will be closed for construction for about 12 months, with reopening expected in Fall 2026. Timelines may change due to inclement weather, complexity, supply chain, and/or other unexpected circumstances.
Once park is reopened, it’ll be easy to get there by public transit. A bus stop is located on Edmonton Trail near 17 Ave NE, right along the park’s west side. For route and schedule details, visit Calgary Transit.
The new features, like the small basketball court, community plaza, and play zone, are low-traffic amenities and are not expected to create major parking issues.
After reopening the contractor will maintain the park for a period before City crews take over. Everyone can help by using garbage bins, cleaning up after pets, and reporting any issues to 3-1-1.
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The Historic Garden
The orange “Centennial Grove” installation by Navagrah Landscape Architecture, previously at Olympic Plaza, will breathe new life into the western side of Munro Park and provide iconic placemaking and activation within a new plaza. Originally inspired by Alberta Aspen groves to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Calgary Parks, the poles will speak to the new Aspen grove at Munro Park.
The layout of the orange poles and grasses are within the new Munro Park Plaza are based on the exact footprint of a historic garden in that exact location circa 1950s / 60s.
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Natural Play Zone
Building on the park’s concept of Urban Rewilding, the nature play zone offers children a respite from urban life and a variety of play options for various ages and abilities within a naturalized environment. Educational opportunities abound as kids can learn about butterflies and other pollinators, as well as a variety of species in the Bioretention Garden.
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Urban Rewilding
Discover nature like never before with Urban Rewilding—our bold shift from manicured lawns to vibrant native ecosystems. From endangered Rough Fescue Grasslands to buzzing Pollinator Gardens and Aspen Groves, these spaces invite birds, butterflies, and more. Biodiversity boosts clean air, our health, and connection to nature.
These rewilded areas might look a little less “tidy” than traditional parks—but they’re full of life, beauty, and purpose. Get ready for a richer, wilder park experience.
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Colourful Gophers
Get ready for a pop of colour and a dash of mischief! The iconic colourful gophers by designer Kristina Prins, salvaged from Olympic Plaza, are burrowing into their new home right here in the park. These playful little sculptures are full of personality—so keep your eyes peeled… you never know where one might be popping up!
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Bioretention Gardens
Think of it as nature’s way of cleaning up after a storm! A bioretention (or rain) garden is a shallow, landscaped area that captures rainwater runoff from streets and rooftops. Instead of rushing into storm drains with pollution, water is filtered by soil and plants, then slowly released into the ground or streams like Nose Creek. These gardens clean water and create habitats for birds, bugs, and butterflies. They’re beautiful, hard-working, and a win for both people and the planet!
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Basketball
Whether you’re a seasoned baller or just love shooting hoops with friends, our brand-new 3v3 basketball court is ready for action! Fast-paced, fun, and perfect for players of all ages and skill levels, this court is where teamwork meets friendly competition.
Grab your crew, bring your best moves, and let’s make some slam dunks and unforgettable memories right here at Munro Park!
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Conversational Seating
Munro Park is getting cozy with new conversational seating—perfect spots designed for friends, neighbors, and new acquaintances to gather, chat, and connect. Whether you’re catching up over coffee or meeting someone new, these comfy setups invite you to slow down, share stories, and make the park feel like your second living room.
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New Irrigation System
Munro Park is getting a brand-new irrigation system that’s both smart and sustainable. Designed to keep plants healthy while saving water, this system waters efficiently—only when and where it’s needed. That means lush greenery, vibrant gardens, and happy trees all season long, with less waste.
Good for the park, great for the planet!
History and Background
Munro Park was established in 1948 and has an established history in Calgary. In the early 20th century, Winston Heights-Mountview was home to rural homesteads that were given to World War II veterans. The park sits just one block from Main Street and close to major transit routes, making it an important part of the growing neighbourhood.
Although Munro Park was already well-used, there was room to make it even better - by adding new spaces for play, encouraging local business activity, enhancing biodiversity, and encouraging more “eyes on the park”. Over the years, the City has made some improvements, but the vision was always to create a park that brings people together and creates a sense of place in an ever changing neighbourhood.
Through the Established Area Growth and Change Strategy (EAGCS), the Munro Park Improvement Project was launched. The goal is to make Munro Park a vibrant community destination that supports active living, supports nature, reflects the needs of residents, and welcomes visitors.
Frequently asked questions
How will the design make the park safer?
Many residents said the west side of the park along Edmonton Trail felt unsafe. The new design will make this side busier and more welcoming by adding:
- A 3-on-3 basketball court
- A community plaza
- A salvaged public art piece
- Gathering spaces
These features will bring more people into the area and create a natural “eyes on the park” effect. In the future, lighting and an off-leash dog area could also be added if funding is available.
Are any trees being removed?
Protecting trees is a top priority during the entire construction process. Approximately 120 existing trees will stay, while approximately 12 unhealthy trees and shrubs will be removed. The upgrades also include planting approximately 75 new trees. A tree protection plan will be in place during construction.
Why add basketball courts?
The west side needed more activity to feel safe and visible. A 3-on-3 court, plaza, and public art will bring people into this space.
This kind of court is affordable, takes little space, is accessible for all ages, and can be used when other courts are busy. Community feedback showed basketball was preferred over a skatepark or other options.
Why was the playfield kept?
Community feedback showed the playfield was the most valued feature of the park.
Why not add pickleball, disc golf, a skatepark or pump track?
Munro Park is a community park, not a regional park. It doesn’t have parking or washrooms for high-traffic activities.
Pickleball was not included because of noise impacts on nearby homes. Lower-impact amenities were chosen instead.
Why wasn't a shade structure included?
A shade structure was considered but not included in the final plan based on community priorities. One has been designed for the Nature Play Zone and may be added in the future if funding allows.
In the meantime, the park will have approximately 75 new trees, plus the existing trees, to provide more natural shade.
Why were features like an off-leash dog area, skatepark, skating rink or lighting not included?
These features were considered but not included in this phase of upgrades.
However, there is a possibility for lighting and an off leash dog area if funding becomes available in the future.
What is a bioretention garden?
A bioretention (or rain) garden is a shallow landscaped area that captures rainwater from streets and rooftops. Instead of rushing into drains and carrying pollution to Nose Creek, the water is cleaned by soil and plants before soaking into the ground.
These gardens improve water quality, reduce flooding, and provide habitats for birds, bugs, and butterflies.
What does "Urban Rewilding" mean for Munro Park?
Urban Rewilding means creating natural spaces instead of only manicured lawns. At Munro Park, this will include:
- Native prairie Rough Fescue grasslands
- Pollinator gardens
- Aspen groves
These areas attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, while improving air quality and biodiversity.
At first, these spaces may look less “tidy” as plants take time to grow and weeds are managed. Over several seasons, the naturalized areas will become healthier, more beautiful, and full of life. Please respect area closures while the vegetation establishes.
Will the new design increase parking issues?
We do not expect parking to become a bigger problem. The new features - such as the small basketball court, community plaza, and new play zone - are designed for local use, not to bring extra traffic into the neighbourhood. These low-impact amenities were chosen specifically to avoid adding pressure on parking.
Will the naturalized edge bring more animals, rodents, or coyotes near my house?
Naturalized areas support a healthy mix of wildlife. You may see insects, butterflies, and small mammals such as voles, rabbits, or mice. This is normal for natural spaces in Calgary.
If you have concerns about coyotes:
- Call 311 and include the location of the sighting.
- Do not approach or feed coyotes.
- Close openings under porches, decks, or steps.
- Keep garbage, compost, and other food sources secure.
- Do not store food outdoors.
- Clean up around bird feeders and remove fallen fruit.
- Keep pets on a leash or inside your home or yard, especially at night.
- Pick up after your dog - coyote activity can increase where pet waste is left behind.
Naturalized parks add biodiversity, which benefits the whole city. High-quality natural areas can also increase nearby property values.
Will weeds spread into my backyard?
The purpose of naturalization is to reduce weeds and non-native plants over time. The process can take several seasons, as early stages often focus on weed control. As native plants grow and take hold, they naturally out-compete many weeds, leading to fewer weeds overall.
The City uses an integrated weed management approach. Techniques vary from site to site, depending on the type and amount of weeds present.
Will the City use more herbicides during naturalization?
No. In the long term, naturalized areas need less herbicide because native plants crowd out invasive species and make it harder for weeds to spread.
Herbicides are used only when necessary as part of the City’s integrated weed management approach. The methods used at each site depend on existing conditions and the types of weeds present.
Controlling weeds before planting native species is important for success. This step can take one growing season or longer, depending on the site.
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