Parks and Playground Amenities Program
The Parks and Playground Amenities Program (PAPA) focuses on revitalizing park spaces where investment is needed most, ensuring that all Calgarians have access to safe, welcoming, and high-quality outdoor environments. By nurturing inclusive park spaces and expanding equitable amenities across the city, the program helps reduce service gaps and creates opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to connect with nature and with one another.
Some projects include a public engagement process, while others will move directly into construction. Regular lifecycle and maintenance activities — such as playground replacements — are also underway to enhance neighbourhoods and broaden the range of play opportunities available. Additional projects are supported through the ENMAX Legacy Capital Fund and the Established Areas Growth and Change Strategy program, helping ensure resources are distributed in a way that strengthens communities citywide.
We have been working closely with Council and community groups to progress projects across the city, and through an intake evaluation that considered equity, missing amenities, and emerging sport, approximately 41 funded projects with an estimated total budget of $16.5M have been approved.
In November 2024 during budget adjustments, $4M was proposed to be relinquished from the approved $18M program budget, with Council voting to return $2.5M to fund five additional projects for consideration and delivery in 2025 and 2026.
Project Overview
Parks Foundation Partnership Projects
Inclusive playgrounds
- Diamond Cove
- West Hillhurst
- Ogden
- Redstone (2025 construction)
New and upgraded playgrounds
- Falconridge
- Bridlewood
Recreational amenities
- Tuxedo Park Beach Volleyball courts
- Cricket/soccer pitch in Silverado
2025 planned projects:
- Vista Heights disc golf course
- Kabaddi sport field in Horizon
Infrastructure and amenity improvements
- Citadel Community Association parking lot upgrade
- Chinese Cemetery Revitalization in Erlton
- Upgrades and improvements to the entrances of Riley Park planned projects
- Missing pathway link along Country Hills Boulevard NE in to access Nose Creek Park natural area
2025 planned projects:
- Upgrades and improvements to the entrances of Confederation Park
- Electrical upgrade at Elliston Park
- A Royal Astronomical Society of Canada telescope shelter observatory at Ralph Klein Park
- Two new shade structures in Redstone
- The purchase of additional Off-Leash Area signage city-wide
- The installation of general park amenities like benches and picnic tables
Playground Optimization
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Calgary's community parks and playgrounds are a great place for Calgarians of all ages to walk, jog, relax and play.