. parks & public places

Parks in the Beltline

In 2010 there were 18,902 residents living in the Beltline.  A community of our density and demographics requires quality open space where our diverse needs can be met.

According to the City of Calgary, open space in the Beltline is currently 6.2 hectares, or 0.33 hectare per 1000 capita.  This is well below the guidelines set for the community.  Our open space should be 1.0 hectare per 1000 capita.

Our Parks and Public Places Committee works hard to ensure that both the quantity and quality of open space in the Beltline is improved.  We not only want to see new parks in the community, such as the new Safran Park, we also want to see improvements in the quality of our open space.  Better programming, infrastructure and amenities are needed throughout the community.

In recent years, we have seen improvements in Connaught Park, Central Memorial Park and Haultain Park, but there is much work to be done. Redevelopment options are currently being considered for Humpy Hollow and the Lawn Bowling Club.  New parks are set to be developed at the Safran site and Macleod Trail between 11 Ave and 13 Ave SE. 

Beltline Communities will continue lead the way in ensuring that our parks and public places are truly meeting the needs of the community.    

If you want to become involved in the Beltline Parks and Public Places Committee please email parks@beltline.ca or call 403-670-5499 ext. 4.

 Currently an unkempt field, the western third of the Carl Safran block on 9th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues SW is set to become a welcoming green space for Beltline residents.

The historic sandstone building to the east is now part of the new headquarters for the Calgary Board of Education. CBE has partially moved into their new headquarters and the historic structure has been rehabilitated.

Beltline Communities took the initiative and held a community charrette – an exercise to envision what the park should look like – in 2007. The Beltline Parks & Public Places charrette involved eighteen interested residents who assessed community needs and preferences for the new park. They also developed an initial concept plan.

Ideas stemming from the exercise include pathways along "desire lines", a clear preference for a mix of active and passive uses, a double row of trees lining the 9th street side of the park, and preservation of sightlines to the historic Calgary Collegiate Institute building. The charrette also calls for installing a significant piece of public art on the 12th avenue frontage.

Commenting on the planning process for the park, Beltline Communities president Rob Taylor said, "If a new urban park is to truly succeed, Beltline residents should lead the way."

The preliminary design of the park has been released.  Check it out here.