Bowness Park is located in the historic community of Bowness and is a popular all-year-round destination park. In winter, the Bowness Lagoon is transformed (weather-permitting) into a outdoor recreational skating rink.
Bowness Park Redevelopment Update
Beginning in the spring of 2012, Bowness Park will undergo changes to support the increased number of park visitors over the years, enhance park visitors’ experience, to boost the park’s environmental health and to complete much needed life-cycle upgrades/replacements.
During construction, the park will remain open, with portions being closed as required.
The 
new park design is based on public and stakeholder input, and was approved by council in 2009. View the overivew information sheet on the project.
The estimated completion date for Bowness redevelopment is 2015.
Redevelopment highlights include:
- A new central pedestrian area that includes better access to the lagoon for visitors in summer and winter, and a new concession and cafe building to provide more opportunities to enjoy the park.
- Restoration of the river edge to stabilize the eroding bank and provide safe access to the river during low water levels.
- A new wading pool to provide additional water fun within Bowness Park.
- Reallocated parking to one central location at the centre of the park. This new design will improve traffic flow and encourage a pedestrian/cycling-friendly park experience.
- New water control structures at the lagoon will control water flow and level for more efficient water management.
- Construction of a new parking lot at the west end of Baker Park. The objective in constructing this new lot is to encourage rafters to use the existing boat launch infrastructure at Baker Park, which will substantially reduce environmental damage from launching water crafts directly from the riverbank at Bowness Park.
- New park entrance bridge; the current bridge is nearing the end of its life-cycle. The new bridge will be raised to better manage the lagoon’s water level.
- Interpretative signage and historic elements to celebrate the rich history of this 100 year old park.
The project will begin in March 2012 with tree removals for both the redevelopment project and for tree life-cycle purposes. Parks will remove approximately 100 trees from areas around the entrance bridge, parking area, and mini-golf area. Parks will replace the removed trees at a 2:1 ratio. For each tree removed, we will plant two new trees. These tree replacements will assist with revitalization of the existing forest. Currently, the forest trees are all the same age, which means the trees will reach the end of their life-cycle around the same time. By planting new trees, we are improving the forest’s sustainability.
Bowness Park Redevelopment is brought to you by the community investment fund. Created by City Council on July 25, 2011, the fund is investing $252 million into tangible and useful community improvements on things like libraries, recreation centres, swimming pools, arenas, athletic fields, playgrounds, emergency services and parks.
Project updates will be posted on signage in the park. Additionally, please continue to check this web page for updates as construction progresses.
