Central Memorial Park Proposal for Redevelopment

The Design Development Plan for Central Memorial Park has now been approved by City Council. Highlights of the planned park revitalization include: complete refurbishment of landscaping in the Edwardian oval of the park, water animation with 3 types of fountains around the site, outdoor reading rooms with movable tables and chairs and wireless internet, extensive hidden infrastructure for programmed events and festivals, as well as two small buildings with underground storage facilities to accommodate a year-round food venue, public washrooms and parks operational needs.

Please see the links on the right to download perspective sketches of the improved Park.

Background
As an initiative to breathe new life into Calgary's oldest surviving park, a comprehensive land use and programming study has been completed, commissioned by the Victoria Crossing BRZ as part of the Beltline Initiative. The study was rewarded to a consultant team headed up by Carson-McCulloch Associates, a Calgary-based landscape architecture firm.

The re-vamping of the historic Central Memorial Park has now moved into its second phase of planning. Following the completion of the conceptual proposal last year, the City has funded a Design Development Plan, which was completed, presented and approved by City Council in Fall 2006. The consulting team worked with the stakeholder advisory group (including the Victoria Crossing BRZ) and the City staff over the summer months to review and develop program direction, infrastructure improvements and a refreshed look for the park. A concept plan is available for download at the link to the right.

In the meantime, landscaping improvements will continue to occur in the Park, including removal of shrubs and realigned pathways, and the flowering of over 11,500 tulips and other spring bulbs in 2006.

Central Memorial Park, granted to the town of Calgary in 1885 from the Dominion of Canada, and the Memorial Park Library are among Calgary's most important historical resources. However, in spite of their significance and value, they have struggled to achieve a sustainable role since the Library ceased its central operation in the 1960's. Lack of adequate programming in the Park has contributed to a conducive environment for the homeless, open alcohol consumption and drug and sexual activity.

By addressing the physical planning of the Park and creating new opportunities for increased utilization, the Beltline Initiative hopes to alleviate some of the social and safety concerns within it, thereby aiding in increasing the library's usage and reinstating active, social use of the Park.

Madeleine King, Alderman for Ward 8, provided the initial motivation in mid 2002 and engaged the energy of various stakeholders to begin the evaluation of the Park. Fundraising for the project is ongoing with partial financial support from The Calgary Heritage Authority and Alberta Historical Resources Foundation, Heritage Preservation Partnership Program. The study, which included a public participation component, commenced in January 2004 was completed in early 2005, with the report release in March 2005.

Please click the link to the right for a complete copy of the Central Memorial Park Redevelopment Proposal.