Community Planning Exchange: Calgary Parks

May 12, 2018

Presenters: David Plouffe, Tammy Robinson & Steven Snell – Calgary Parks

Imagine Parks

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VISION

Calgary’s parks and open space are cherished places that

connect us to nature, our heritage and one another.

MISSION

We enable, contribute and sustain dynamic communities

through great parks and open space

How Do Open Spaces Benefit Calgarians?

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▪ Recreational amenities and

opportunities

▪ Exercise and Education

▪ Beauty and Biodiversity

▪ Relaxation/stress mitigation

▪ Environmental protection

▪ Alternate transportation options

▪ Historical

preservation/interpretation

▪ Burial areas

▪ Establishment of urban forest

▪ Pollution mitigation

▪ Even increase property value!

What are the Trends & Programs

happening in Calgary Parks?

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▪ Cultural Landscapes & Indigenous

Relations

▪ Inclusive Play

▪ Playground Strategy

▪ Mobile Equipment (e.g. fitness)

▪ Data, Data, Data

▪ Environmental Education &

Volunteers

▪ Biodiversity

▪ Adaptability (Green Spaces &

Playfields, Neighbourhoods)

▪ Cemeteries

▪ Linear spaces/pathways

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Spectrum of Playgrounds• Not a linear piece• A little bit of various elements will likely make up the next park

Adventure

Natural

Urban

Why Do We Plan Open Spaces?

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▪ To respond to community recreational needs;

▪ To create consistent, responsible form and function;

▪ To protect significant natural features.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

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Parks and Open Space Planning in Calgary

▪ Municipal Development Plan

▪ Land Use Bylaw

▪ Open Space Plan

▪ Urban Park Master Plan

▪ imagineParks

Key City Policy and Planning Documents:

▪ Wetland Conservation Plan

▪ Area Structure/Area

Redevelopment Plans

▪ Calgary Pathway & Bikeway Plan

▪ Regional Park Management Plans

▪ Council approved Design

Development Plans

Calgary Parks Planning

• 10% of developable land is dedicated as Municipal

Reserve for schools and parks

• School sites take first priority.

• Ensure that all residents in a community are within

400m of a park

• variety of open spaces, (tot lots to larger open

areas including Community Association sites)

• Connected open space network

• Preserve important environmental features

9May 12, 2018 | Calgary Federation of Communites

Enhanced Landscape Maintenance - ELM

10June 13, 2016 | Presentation

Current ELM Communities

Auburn Bay Hamptons Rocky Ridge

Christie Park Hawkwood - LEAF Royal Oak

Citadel Hawkwood - Uplands Scenic Acres

Country Hills Town Square Kincora Somerset

Country Hills Shoreline McKenzie Lake Springbank Hill

Diamond Cove McKenzie Towne Tuscany

Discovery Ridge New Brighton Valley Ridge

Douglas Glen Patterson Walden

Douglasdale Quarry Park Skyview Ranch

Edgemont Redstone

Calgary.ca/ELMFor more information on ELM, go to

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Questions?