Woodbine
This summer we completed an initial round of Engagement to shape the direction of two playgrounds in the community of Woodbine. Based on the feedback we collected from community members and interest holders, we have developed a new plan of action to upgrade and enhance these parks and playgrounds.
Learn more about the feedback we have gathered so far within this What We Heard Report.
The playground at 49 Woodmark Cr SW (WBN427) will remain as-is and will not be changed.
The playground at 12 Woodglen Close SW (WBN325) has reached the end of its lifecycle and the equipment will be removed and replaced with new playground equipment.
We heard from you that swings and slides are important and we will work to incorporate this feedback in the new playground design.
The playground at 40 Woodglen RD SW (WBD426) is at the end of its lifecycle at this site is open for engagement. As playgrounds come to the end of their lifecycle and as communities change, The City, in partnership with the community, can explore ways to reimagine park amenities to create refreshed spaces to serve the needs of the community. At this park, the playground equipment will be removed and the park will be reimaged with new amenities that invite play, like games tables, ball toss or tether ball, or areas to gather such as picnic tables or other seating options.
40 Woodglen Rd SW - playground removal and space to be reimagined
Calgary’s playgrounds are great places for citizens of all ages to relax and play. The City maintains more than 1,100 playgrounds.
As playgrounds require lifecycle work, The City looks at maximizing use of the space to ensure it continues to meet community needs. We assess the need by looking at demographics and working with the community to determine whether the space is best suited as a playground, or should be transformed into another type of community gathering green space.
Safety for park visitors is our first priority, and each playground is inspected seven times a year to ensure Canada Safety Association guidelines are met. Parks works with residents, community associations and other interested parties to discuss options prior to the lifecycle replacement.
What Lifecycle Means - The City of Calgary currently manages and maintains over 1,100 playgrounds, with 408 playgrounds over 20 years of age. The City budgets $1.2 million per year to replace 10 to 12 of these aging playgrounds.
As playgrounds come to the end of their lifecycle and as community demographics change, The City, in partnership with the Community Association and residents, can explore how these community gathering places can better meet the needs of residents. This may involve improving the existing play structures to align with current play and safety standards or reimaging the space to better serve the community needs, which results in right-sizing the number of playgrounds in communities that are overserved. Lifecycling must be considered in alignment with budget availability and maintenance standards.
To view a more detailed summary of these standards feel free to click here (or view attachment at bottom of this report).
As we know, green space is highly valued by Calgarians of all ages. When a playground or park is transformed with new equipment or use options, it can become more valued by broader base of community residents. By seeking to improve and enhance certain playgrounds in combination with the creation of new community gathering spaces, we look to provide opportunities for Calgarians to connect with nature and each other in a variety of ways while meeting the needs of all within the community.
Engagement period that was open from November 14th through November 29th is now closed.
Thank you for your time and input on the possible future of this park space. We will evaluate responses along with parks planning and budget availability to make our decisions which we will report back to you on this page prior to work commencing.
To return to the main Playground Lifecycle Page please click here.
