In 2018, the Beltline Neighbourhoods Association (BNA) pioneered the redevelopment of Humpy Hollow Park – located at 17 Ave. S.W. and Centre Street South.

With more than 23,000 residents living in the Beltline and a popular City destination by all, there is a need and desire for more vibrant, inviting, and multi-purpose public spaces. Humpy Hollow Park went unnoticed and under-utilized with a run-down play structure and limited access from 17 Ave.

The McHugh House – built in 1896 – is one of the ten oldest houses in Calgary and resides on the east end of Humpy Hollow Park. The house is an early, rare and intact example of Queen Anne Revival-style architecture in Calgary. Its historical significance was important to preserve and integrate into the modern-day Beltline community.

The citizen-led initiative saw potential of this well positioned piece of land and pursued redevelopment in efforts to maximize the potential of the park. Community-led engagement reinforced the public was eager for a revitalized public space that offered vibrancy and multi-purpose amenities for people of all ages and interests to use and feel welcome.

The City of Calgary was proud to support this initiative through the Beltline Community Investment Fund (BCIF) and other municipal funding sources.  

Humpy Hollow Park is located at the corner of 17 Ave. S.W. and Centre Street S.

A bit of history…

Archeological monitoring uncovered some ash and foundation remnants of the Sherman Roller Rink which caught fire in 1915. This photo shows what 17^th Ave. and Centre Street looked like over 100 years ago.

Sign up for email updates to receive construction updates and milestones.

For more information or questions, please email us at humpyhollow@calgary.ca

• Prime Contractor – Wilco
• Prime Consultant – DIALOG
• Capital Investment - $3.25M

• What We Heard Report – 2020
• Design Development Package
• Shadow Study
• Site Inventory & Analysis
• 17 Avenue S.W. Reconstruction Project

Humpy Hollow Park prior to demolition

A preferred concept was developed that aligns with the vision and principles that Council approved in December 2019. It was further tailored to incorporate the feedback and preferences indicated in the community-led (2018) and City-led (2020) public engagement.

The design was inspired by the desire to celebrate the local community and culture and to incorporate multi-use spaces that accommodate a variety of user groups.

The newly renovated Humpy Hollow Park will feature:

• Enclosed off-leash dog park with synthetic turf
• Covered performing stage
• A ramp providing access to the performing stage and McHugh House
• Centralized plaza
• Built-in multi-level seating wave
• Movable site furniture  
• Improved access from 17 Ave. and Centre Street
• Improved east-west pedestrian connection and heightened site lines through the park
• Park lighting
• Graffiti wall murals (BUMP Initiative)

Inside the enclosed off-leash dog park, looking east towards the McHugh House and central stage. A practical synthetic turf was chosen for its durability and reasonable maintenance requirements. Overhead entrance lighting indicates the entrances at the northeast and southwest corners of the park and encourages a safe and comfortable environment in evening or night hours.

The performance stage is located on the east end of the park and sits adjacent to the McHugh House. It will compliment it’s architectural style and integrate the historical home into the park and city life. A curved seating wave will border the north end of the park and offer ample seating and views of the stage, central plaza and dog park. Visitors can customize their park experience by moving flexible chairs and tables around to suit their group needs or size. The space will be heightened by lighting, landscaping, and interesting architectural elements. 

A bird’s eye view of Humpy Hollow Park from the southeast corner, looking northwest. The park is open and welcomes visitors in from both 17 Ave. and Centre Street. The appealing curvy design is vibrant and animated – complimenting the trendy and energetic Beltline community. The McHugh House is shown in the bottom right and its historical significance will live on through the culture and socializing opportunities the new park will create. 

A series of wall murals were completed in 2021 by the Beltline Urban Mural Project (BUMP). Toronto-based aerosol artist, Elicser Elliot coined this piece “Thanks for Being There to Hold My Years As They Burn”. Inspired by the energy, vibrancy and cultural diversity of Calgary, the mural centres on love, support and holding space for another – while encouraging patience and understanding for all.

The project working hours are as listed below. To ensure safety for both the public and construction crews, there may be special cases where work must be completed outside of the regular hours. In these cases, advanced notification will be posted on this webpage.

• Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturday: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Sunday and Holidays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Until construction is completed, nearby residents, pedestrians and mobility users can expect to see:

• Construction access from Centre Street at the northeast corner of the site behind the McHugh House.
• An increase in construction activity including large trucks, heavy equipment, and work crews.
• An increase in noise and vibrations from things like motorized equipment, work crews, ground compactions and vehicle backup alarms.
• Soil disturbance and dust emissions.
• Temporary lane closures and/or sidewalk closures on westbound 17 Avenue. Material deliveries or the need for over-sized equipment are examples of when these types of closures would be required. In these instances, advanced notification will be provided on this webpage accompanied by the necessary signage and flaggers on-site providing direction to road users and pedestrians. 
• Construction activity on weekends, weekdays, holidays, and evenings as required.
• Fencing around construction areas and on-site signage.

We know that construction impacts can be disruptive, and the project team will work to minimize disruptions where possible, adhere to all bylaws, and most importantly, ensure safety for all.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to complete this project as quickly and safely as possible. 

A previously recorded archeological site is located within the Humpy Hollow Park redevelopment site. There is a small area which was identified as a precontact bison kill-site. Archeologists have been engaged and crews will be coached on what to look for and the process to follow should something be found.