About the Project

Big Marlborough Park was created in the 1970s. Since then, it has remained largely untouched. It is a heavily used greenspace in the heart of the northeast community of Marlborough Park, bordered by four schools and the Marlborough Park Community Association. Demographics in northeast Calgary show a higher population of new Canadians and ethnic groups for which parks and open spaces are vital to building a sense of community and supporting newcomers.

As one of the fastest-growing quadrants in the city, the northeast has limited redeveloped regional park facilities to service the area’s high demands. Existing features within Big Marlborough Park, such as the tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, playground, and toboggan hill, are nearing the end of their lifecycle or could use a refreshment and redevelopment to better serve the growing population.

The Big Marlborough Park project aims to enhance the park space, promote a greater sense of community, social inclusion, and improve the park's amenities. The Legacy Parks Program identified this park, and it will address the NE quadrant’s need to enhance existing park space.

The first phase will begin this summer and include 3 rounds of engagement. The feedback gathered will help in the creation of a master plan. The master plan will guide the redevelopment project so that the community can influence how the park develops to ensure that it stays relevant and suits its users in the years to come.

Phase 1, round 1 of public engagement is scheduled for Summer 2024. It will focus on the communities’ values and priorities for Big Marlborough Park.

Phase 1, round 2 will seek feedback on multiple concepts or designs. This is scheduled for Winter 2024/2025.

Phase 1, round 3 will occur in Summer 2025. with the presentation of the Big Marlborough Park Masterplan.

Google map image of Big Marlborough Park. It shows the green space, several ball diamonds, and surrounding buildings (schools and community centre).

Regional parks provide a special purpose or attraction which benefits users beyond an immediate community. They are designed to support longer durations of stay, accommodate a range of activities, serve multiple communities and include specialized amenities which would not be typically found in community parks, such as multi-sport surfaces, cultural landscapes or accommodation for large event spaces.

A master plan for a park serves as a roadmap. It guides how the park should be developed, used, and managed, considering its natural, cultural, and historical features. The plan is closely followed to ensure effective park management.

Download or read the Connect: Calgary's Parks Plan by clicking this link: Connect: Calgary's Parks Plan

Public Engagement Update

The first round of engagement for Big Marlborough Park took place from June 15 to July 29, 2024, involving over 400 in-person participants and 1,544 online participants.

The completed What We Heard Report is avaiable in the column on the right hand side of this page.

Key Themes from Community Feedback

  • Accessibility: Ensure pathways are accessible for all abilities. Develop inclusive playgrounds. Connect transit stop locations to the park.

  • Amenities & Infrastructure: Install accessible public washrooms and drinking water stations. Add more seating, picnic tables, shaded areas, and regular maintenance.

  • Gathering Space: Create inviting areas for family and community gatherings with picnic areas, BBQ grills, and fire pits.

  • Nature and Relaxation: Enhance the park’s natural beauty with more trees, native species, and walking paths.

  • Recreational Activities & Facilities: Offer diverse recreational activities, such as spray parks, skateboard parks, and upgraded sports amenities.

  • Safety and Security: Improve lighting, signage, and regular maintenance. Increase patrols and surveillance to ensure safety.

Future Vision 

  • Participants envision a park that remains a vibrant, safe, and inclusive space for all community members, with enhanced natural beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, and strong community engagement.

Next Steps 

  • The feedback will help guide the development of park concept designs, which will be presented for public feedback in early 2025. The final master plan will be showcased in Summer 2025.

  • Past Engagement (Summer 2024)

    An overview of the outreach and engagement activities for Phase 1, Round 1 of the Big Marlborough Park Master Plan project, conducted during Summer 2024.

    Click here for more information. 

  • Big Marlborough Park Family Zone

    Click below to enter the Big Marlborough Park Family Zone.

    Explore the park, share stories, join workshops, and provide feedback. From toddlers to centenarians, there’s something for everyone

    Click here for more information. 

  • Bikeways and Pathways (Ward 9 & Marlborough Park)

    The City of Calgary is enhancing multiple communities in this area with new pathway and bikeway improvements. NOTE: This project is separate from the Big Marlborough Park Master Plan project. Any questions about pathways and bikeways should be sent to their attention.

    Click here for more information. 

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    2024 Park Analysis (Phase 1)

    • Summer 2024 (June 17 - July 29)
    • Round 1 Public Engagement
      • During this phase, we will actively seek public participation to understand what the community’s values, concerns and priorities are for Big Marlborough Park.
    • A comprehensive What We Heard/What We Learned report will be generated based on the insights gathered. These learnings will be used to guide the next phase of concept and design.

  • Timeline item 2 - active

    2024 Preliminary Master Plan (Phase 1)

    • Winter 2024 - Spring 2025
    • Round 2 of Public Engagement
    • In this phase, our focus will shift to conceptualizing and designing the park enhancements. There will be a presentation of proposed concepts and creative ideas. Feedback used from Phase 1, Round 1 engagement will be presented in a What We Heard and What We Did Report.

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    2025 Final Concept (Phase 1 and 2)

    • Summer 2025
    • Round 3 of Public Engagement (Inform)
    • This will consist of the final design reveal and include a What We Heard Report and the What We Did Report from Phase 1, Round 2.

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    2025 Detailed Design (Phase 2 and 3)

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    2026 Construction (Phase 3)