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 ENMAX 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.