City enriching community parks with new and upgraded amenities starting in 2024

New features and upgraded equipment will start popping up at City of Calgary community parks thanks to $18 million approved by Council last year. The Parks and Playground Amenities Program (PAPA) will focus on improving parks and open spaces that need it most with some projects kicking off this year. 

"Calgarians deserve great parks and public spaces in their neighbourhoods to connect with friends, family and their community,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “This Council investment of $18 million will ensure we can deliver more of these special places for residents within walking distance of their own homes." 

Communities can look forward to new shade structures, enhanced seating and upgraded playground equipment. New cultural components (like interpretive signage) and new benches and picnic tables will also be added to select community parks. Funding for the program will be spent over the next three years with the aim to wrap up all PAPA projects before the end of 2026. 

“We are excited to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of Calgarians by enriching park spaces where people go to connect with nature and each other,” said Parks & Open Spaces Director Kyle Ripley.

 The City of Calgary will be partnering with Parks Foundation to execute the planning, design and delivery of some PAPA projects. 

“The Parks and Playground Amenities Program will significantly impact Parks Foundation’s ability to help communities bring their projects to life,” said Parks Foundation CEO Sheila Taylor. “We know communities require extra help to turn their projects from dream to reality. We are thrilled to leverage the resources provided by the PAPA program to offer even more support to Calgary communities.” 

More details about the PAPA projects will be available soon at Calgary.ca/PAPA

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