Collaborating over 40 years to create more parks in more communities
Terry Hawitt spent most of his leisure time in Calgary’s parks - walking through them, talking to neighbours, enjoying the views, biking on pathways and golfing. He was passionate about how these public spaces created opportunities for people to connect and build community. Terry wanted everyone to have a meaningful park experience within walking distance of their home.
Helping was what he did, so he turned a discussion around the dinner table into a series of phone calls to people he knew and that was the start of Parks Foundation 40 years ago. Terry and Norm Harburn started the Parks Foundation by bringing likeminded people together to support the development of new parks that preserve Calgary’s natural beauty and encourage amateur sport. As a not-for-profit organization, Parks Foundation leverages donations from individuals and organizations and partners with The City of Calgary and other organizations to enhance existing park spaces and create new ones.
Terry passed away in 2021 and left behind a legacy that is enjoyed daily by people visiting park spaces throughout Calgary. His daughter Karen Hawitt often visits Terry Hawitt Vista, located along the Britannia off-leash area looking down on the Elbow River, to remember her dad and his passion for the outdoors.
“Dad would walk this path to the river every day for 10 to 15 years,” said Karen. “At 91, he still walked this path. Going for a walk with Dad anywhere would take hours. He would stop at every memorial bench and read everyone’s name and sometimes sit and tell stories about that individual.
“He was a very vibrant, enthusiastic human being. Dad always had dreams, and they always came to fruition, somehow.”
Today, Terry's vision continues through the generosity of countless donors who share his passion for creating accessible green spaces. From individuals to corporate partners, philanthropic support has been essential in making Parks Foundation's projects possible.
True to Terry’s belief that working together brings about beautiful results, The City of Calgary and Parks Foundation have partnered on hundreds of projects since 1985, creating more opportunities for Calgarians to enjoy nature, wildlife, and each other.
“Communities often require help turning their dreams into reality,” said Sheila Taylor, CEO, Parks Foundation. “Parks Foundation helps by connecting donors and partners with relevant and innovative park and sport projects.”
This partnership resulted in the creation of the bench and picnic table dedication program, amateur sport grants, numerous inclusive playgrounds, several bike pump tracks and unique projects like Alberta’s first mental health park and Canada’s first dementia-inclusive park (expected to open in 2026).
“Parks matter to Calgarians,” said Nico Bernard, Manager, Parks & Open Spaces, Public Spaces Delivery. “They are cherished places where we play, connect with each other and immerse ourselves in nature. Together, The City of Calgary and Parks Foundation have created many more vibrant public spaces that have increased the quality of life for Calgarians.”
Parks Foundation will be honouring its 40th anniversary in several ways throughout 2025. Visit Parks Foundation Calgary for more information.
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