Parks Foundation Calgary Report to Community
For more than 30 years, in collaboration with donors and partners, Parks Foundation Calgary has been a catalyst in pioneering and creating outdoor sport and green spaces for all Calgarians to enjoy.
During their recent Report to Community, Park Foundation unveiled their most ambitious project yet: a Dementia Inclusive Park in Dover.
20,000 Calgarians are living with dementia right now. By 2030, this number is expected to reach 34,000. Despite the large number of Calgarians impacted both directly and indirectly, there are no public outdoor spaces designed to meet the unique needs of those living with dementia and those who love them. This is why Parks Foundation committed to bringing Canada’s first-ever dementia inclusive park to Calgary, ensuring that every Calgarian has a place to embrace their outdoor life. The Dementia Inclusive Park will serve not only as a physical space for outdoor engagement but also as a powerful tool for raising awareness and reducing stigma.
Scheduled to break ground in 2025, the park will offer unique amenities to ensure the safety of individuals with dementia and their caregivers, as well as enhanced greenery and activity spaces to improve the park experience for all community members.
The park will be situated in Southview Park, adjacent to the Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society and the Bethany Care Society on 26 Avenue SE. This location was chosen for its convenient access via transit and walking, and its proximity to seniors care facilities and centers in the area.
In 2023, Parks Foundation, was able to deliver 23 newly activated parks spaces throughout Calgary. Two notable projects were created in Ward 9!
George Moss Park
Parks Foundation partnered with the Youth Centres of Calgary (YCC) to work on a redevelopment plan of the existing George Moss Park in Ogden. The project was initiated because of the advocacy of Jane Wachowich, Executive Director of YCC. The youth at the centre were playing basketball and other sports on a small concrete pad at the back of the YCC Ogden house. The limited space often resulted in balls rolling out into the street, causing safety concerns for the kids playing and drivers passing by. When community members heard that the youth didn’t have a proper place to play, they jumped on board to get the project moving.
Phase One of the George Moss Park redevelopment included a basketball court, an open seating area, community plaza, and plenty of green space to connect with fellow community goers. The park now provides a safe and fun space for youth from both the YCC centre and the broader community to gather and play.
Looking ahead, Phase Two of George Moss Park redevelopment is currently underway, with hopes of including a skateboard park, pump track, and shaded areas.
Forest Lawn Park
In partnership with the Forest Lawn Community Association, Parks Foundation embarked on the redevelopment of Forest Lawn Park. Located next to the community hall, construction of the park offers opportunities for play, rejuvenation, gathering, and physical activity and is accessible for a variety of ages and user groups.
New amenities include a sport court, seating and community gathering area, trees and landscaping, and updated pathway connections.
We’re deeply grateful for the tremendous work Parks Foundation does to support sport and green space access for all Calgarians. If you’d like to learn more about the Foundation, or are curious about supporting ongoing fundraising efforts, you can learn more at: parksfdn.com