n late September. The park will stay open and easy to access, but you might notice a few small areas temporarily closed while crews get things done.

Here’s what’s planned for this fall:

• Putting in new light poles
• Painting lines on the basketball court and installing backboards and hoops
• Adding bollards to help prevent vehicles from driving into the park

These updates build on the improvements we made earlier this year and will complement Phase 2 upgrades coming in spring 2026. It’s all part of a long-term plan to turn Cowboys Park into a vibrant, year-round destination in the heart of downtown.

Cowboys Park, formerly known as Millennium Park, was established in 2000 and is the largest skate park in North America for skateboards and in-line skating with 75,000 square feet of skateable surfaces. It was designated as an activity park and special venue and sees tens of thousands of visitors a year and will be home to one of the city’s most popular events, the Cowboys Music Festival starting in 2025.​​

In spring 2025, The City began work to transform Cowboys Park into a more modern and multi-functional event space in Calgary’s downtown. With the Olympic Plaza Transformation underway, this work will make Cowboys Park a versatile space for Calgarians to use and enjoy, and will replenish The City’s portfolio of accessible, flexible event spaces.

Phase 1 improvements include utilities (stormwater, sanitary and potable water), electrical infrastructure, and two hardened surfaces as outlined in the sponsorship agreement. Utility upgrades will allow organizers to more quickly set up, tear down and clean after events. The hardened space will better accommodate Calgarians with mobility considerations and host various events, including farmer’s and holiday markets, hard surface sport and other recreational events, food festivals, and more.

Phase 2 improvements for 2026 and beyond will be designed with community feedback provided during the public engagement that was completed in May 2025.

Climbing has seen a dramatic rise in popularity over the last few years and has even become an Olympic sport. Cowboys Park is now home to three climbing boulders, known as The Three Little Brothers - Big Brother, Middle Brother and Little Brother.

These new climbing boulders are an aesthetic piece of landscape architecture that allow both new and experienced climbers the opportunity to boulder outdoors on natural rock.

Please note: For your safety and enjoyment please read the permanent safety advisories, which are also installed on-site. Make sure to read all safety instructions before using the bouldering area.

• Skatepark
• Landmark building
• Basketball courts - Closed during construction. Anticipated to reopen June/July 2025.
• Updated signage (anticipated in 2025)

Artist's rendering of how the park may be used: