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.

When evaluating the best possible use for playground space that is up for lifecycle, the following factors are considered:

1. Available footprint in conjunction with budget - what space is available to install/replace play structure
2. Age appropriate equipment - generally the 5-12 yrs range is targeted as being most widely usable (both in terms of range and functionality) but does require a larger footprint to be functional
3. Proximity of other playgrounds in the area - benchmark goal for Calgary is 5 playgrounds for every 1,000 kids under 12
4. Options for other opportunities - adult based play options, enhanced green space amenities (seating etc), nature and naturalized options
5. Demographics of the community - are the current spaces most suited to the entirety of the community

When a space is transformed with new equipment and use options, they can become more welcoming to a broader base of community residents and become a location to be enjoyed by all. Green space is highly valued by Calgarians of all ages.

Community park space is highly valued by Calgarians of all ages, providing opportunities to connect with nature and each other. That’s why we’re improving and reimagining under-used and aging playgrounds and park spaces to better meet the needs of the community.

When old playgrounds need replacing, we work with the community to determine how the space can be enhanced with new playground equipment or reimagined with new park amenities, like picnic tables, benches and areas for recreation.

As we go through the process outlined above, we also would like to hear from you about how you use this park space.

Does is just need a refresh of aging playground equipment?

Do you see possibility for some newer design approach?

We would like to hear from you as a community member as to how you see this park space utilized and developed as a space for all community members to enjoy. Please note that the information we are gathering in this process is not to be considered as a vote. Instead, your feedback helps us better understand and meet the needs of the community as a whole and create a more diverse balance of greenspaces for all.

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 the corresponding community page prior to work commencing.