Playground optimization & lifecycle program
Calgary’s playgrounds are great places for citizens of all ages to relax and play. The City of Calgary manages and maintains 1,137 playgrounds, with each playground inspected seven times a year to ensure Canada Safety Association guidelines are met.
There are currently 408 city-maintained playgrounds that are over 20 years old and The City budgets $1.2 million to replace 10 to 12 playgrounds per year. When playgrounds age and require lifecycle work, The City considers how to best maximize the use of the space to ensure it continues to meet community needs. We assess the need by looking at demographics and working with the community to determine whether the space is best suited as a playground or could be transformed with updated amenities that invite all-ages play or gathering.
As we move to prioritize playground quality over quantity while still maintaining our commitment to ensuring that there are 5 nearby playgrounds for every 1000 kids under 12, we look to both replace aging play structures with new playground equipment or to reimagine these spaces with alternative park amenities.
When evaluating the best use for a park with a playground due for replacement, key considerations include:
- Available space and budget
- Ensuring age-appropriate equipment (typically for ages 5–12)
- Proximity to other playgrounds (with a city benchmark of 5 per 1,000 children)
- Potential to introduce broader amenities like nature play or seating
- Alignment with the community’s demographics to create an inclusive, welcoming space for all ages.
Community projects
In 2025, playground optimization and lifecycle projects are planned for the following communities:
Citadel
At CIT362, 3 Citadel Park NW, we will be installing a “game park” on the existing fall surfacing. This will include a ping pong table, funnel game and corn hole games.
Signal Hill
At SIG745, 43 Sierra Nevada Close SW, there are currently two playgrounds on site. We will be replacing the larger of the two playgrounds with new playground equipment and adding trees for shade. On the smaller playground site, we will be installing a “game park”, including corn hole and two game top tables.
At SIG737, 47 Signal Hill Way, we will be installing a bench swing and restoring the surrounding area where the fall surface was. This park currently duplicates the amenities of SIG716 and SIG721 less than a block away and is a very tight area not well suited for playground equipment.
Patterson
At PAT997, 318 Patterson Blvd SW, the old playground will be removed, and a new, updated playground will be installed.
Renfrew
At REN691, 528 St Georges Dr. NE, we plan to upgrade the existing playground. The playground will retain the existing swings but a new multi-play unit will be added, and a bike rack will be installed along the pathway.
Woodbine
WBN427, 49 Woodmark Crescent, will remain as is, in its current state.
WBN325, 12 Woodglen Close SWB, is identified as the preferred location in the community for a new playground. We propose replacing the existing playground and expanding the footprint of the playground equipment.
WBN426, 40 Woodglen Road SW, is to be reimagined with new play amenities. In discussions with the Community Association, WBN426 was selected to be reimagined because the existing playground is less utilized and visited due to its secluded nature. Given that community feedback emphasized the importance of active play, we propose installing a GaGa ball pit at this location, including painted games on the asphalt surface like hopscotch and bullseye. GaGa ball is a popular, all-ages game and on-site signage outlining how to play will be included.
Bowness
Replace the playground at BOW176, 8027 34 Ave NW with a new playground
Reimagine the playspace at BOW180, 3923 77 St NW. This park is close to three other playgrounds, and engagement respondents indicated they would like to see open space for active sport here. We propose adding a GaGa ball game, funnel ball game, and a picnic table here.
Ranchlands
Relocate and replace the playground at RAN021 Ranchero Drive NW
- RAN021 has been on the playground replacement list for 8 years and has been stalled by an unfunded master plan. The baseball diamond at this site is being removed and the new playground will be relocated here and away from the existing drainage problems faced by the current site, as outlined in the community master plan.
Reimagine the park amenities at RAN026, Ranchero Green NW
- Community engagement indicated that this small site could be suitable for all-ages play. We propose including picnic tables with games tops and corn hole games.
Beddington Heights
Replace the playground at BED596, 15 Beacham Close NW with a new playground
- Community members noted that swings, climbing and a variety of play equipment was most important in the new playground.
Reimagine the park at BED598, 51 Beaconsfield Place NW
- Community members voiced an interest in all-ages play amenities and gathering space. We propose adding two 4-seat wooden chess tables and a wooden bench swing.
These parks are close together in Beddington Heights, and currently duplicate play amenities which is why we propose building an updated playground at one park site and introducing play and gathering amenities at the other site that appeal to a broader demographic.
Huntington Hills
Replace the playground at HUN585, 515 68 Ave NW with a new playground
- Community members noted that they would like the new playground to include swings, climbing features, and a slide
Reimagine the playspace at HUN586, 7020 Huntercrest Road NW
- Community members were in favour of a mixed-use space for both gameplay and gathering. We propose including picnic tables and corn hole games.
These two parks are near each other, and HUN586 is a CBE site with a playground on it already, which currently duplicates amenities at this site.
Dover
Replace the playground at DOV779, 48 Dovercrest Way SE with a new playground
- Community members noted that they would like the new playground to include swings, climbing features, and a slide
Reimagine the playground at DOV780, 4102 Doverbrook Rd SE
- Community members are in favour of a mixed-use space for both gameplay and gathering; many engagement respondents requested cornhole
- We propose installing a picnic table and cornhole game
These parks are half a block apart and currently duplicate amenities. The DOV780 park is small for a playground, and so we propose replacing the playground at DOV779 (the larger site), and reimaging DOV780 with all-ages amenities that invite play and provide a gathering space.