Beaumont Circus is all set to be re-imagined!

This project is part of the City of Calgary’s plan to improve public spaces in established neighborhoods. Beaumont Circus, located in the growing and evolving community of Renfrew, is being improved to better serve the needs of all residents, both old and new. These enhancements are funded through the Established Areas Growth and Change Strategy.

Beaumont Circus is currently underused. We see this as a chance to turn it into a lively community space. It was originally part of The City Beautiful Movement, which aimed to create beautiful green spaces in cities. This project will honor that history and make the park a great place for everyone in Renfrew.

Click on 'View on Google Maps' for complete functionality.

Beaumont Circus is in the northeast of Calgary, in the Renfrew neighborhood. Renfrew is a walkable community with homes, restaurants, schools, parks, and local businesses. It’s part of the North Hill Communities Local Area Plan, which guides growth and change in several communities. The plan was approved by the Council in September 2021.

City Beautiful Movement

Renfrew has many open spaces, but Beaumont Circus stands out because of its circular shape. The word “circus” comes from Latin and means “ring” or “circle”. From above, the park looks like four pie slices forming a circle. It’s one of two circular spaces in the city. The other, Balmoral Circus, was recently re-imagined.

The original Beaumont Circus design drew inspiration from the City Beautiful movement, a popular philosophy in early 20th century city planning, which emphasized well-planned, beautiful spaces that foster community connection. Many ideas from the community such as preserving historic pathways, enhancing greenery, incorporating public art, improving walkability, and providing an escape from the city align with this vision.

Rooted in the belief that urban design could promote moral and civic virtue, the City Beautiful movement prioritized aesthetics and social responsibility. The project team considered how these principles apply today, leading to choices that emphasize accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Both park concepts are welcoming for all ages, pedestrian-friendly, and designed as a destination through the seasons. Heritage elements are woven in to celebrate the site’s history, while playful and unexpected features encourage exploration, gathering, and a shared sense of belonging bringing City Beautiful ideals into a contemporary context.

During the North Hill Local Area Plan engagement sessions (2018-2022), the community expressed a strong desire to slow traffic, enhance walkability for families and children, and strengthen pedestrian connections. A key part of this park’s design is creating a safer, more accessible environment for everyone.

To support this vision, a traffic assessment was conducted to evaluate the impact of closing the intersection within Beaumont Circus (15 Ave and 4 St NE). The results indicated that nearby streets could comfortably handle any redirected traffic, with little disruption to the surrounding community. Given these findings, the decision was made to close the intersection, enabling the development of a more connected, pedestrian-friendly park design in the growing community of Renfrew.

Our goal is to create a space that’s both welcoming and memorable, and that adds value to the growing community of Renfrew and we want to make sure it's a good neighborhood space! This project will help make Renfrew an even better place to live. It will lead to quieter streets, safer and more comfortable walking and wheeling, and more chances to play, relax, meet people, and socialize. We’ll also look for ways to improve the park’s natural environment, add fun and seasonal activities, and manage storm water better.

A special shout-out and big thank you to the Grade 7 students and teachers of Colonel Macleod Junior High School for their invaluable contributions and input in shaping the future of Beaumont Circus!

To learn more, please refer to the Student Engagement Summary.

We are presenting two concepts that explore different ways to shape the park’s experience and character. These are not "A" or "B" options but rather two interpretations of how the space could evolve based on key themes from the community and City Beautiful principles. Each approach invites different types of use and interaction, and we want to hear your thoughts on what resonates most with you.

The Journey is inspired by the City Beautiful movement and community feedback. It focuses on natural beauty, smooth movement, and community connection. The design keeps the existing trees and adds native plants and flowering shrubs for year-round color. Curved pathways encourage exploration and improve walkability with multiple connection points.

The design includes flexible seating, a fireplace under a pergola, and small rest areas. Natural play elements like fallen logs, boulders, and wooden climbing structures offer fun for all ages. The entry gate is a welcoming focal point, making the park a place of retreat and discovery. The fluid design creates an immersive experience with delightful moments at every turn.

The Dot is inspired by the City Beautiful movement and celebrates the site's circular design in a fun way. Community feedback highlighted the need for active recreation, social gathering, and vibrant public spaces.

The design features interlocking circles for activities and interaction. A circular play mound invites climbing, while the multi-sport center supports basketball, ground games, and family picnics. The northeast corner includes adult exercise equipment, ping-pong tables, and a bocce court, all arranged in a circular layout.

Vibrant colors add energy and joy, and heritage elements in custom furniture and light poles connect to the site's history. This design balances dynamic activity with thoughtful design, making the park a contemporary destination for all ages.

Your input is essential in shaping how you and your community will use this space for years to come. We want to hear your thoughts on how these concepts reflect the community’s vision, as well as your ideas on historical recognition, inclusivity, and natural features. Your feedback will help refine the design to ensure it becomes a cherished community destination.

Summer 2025 (Stage 2 Public Engagement):

We’ll present the preferred design based on the feedback we received and ask for more input. Then, we’ll share a report on what we did based on the feedback.