Calgarians celebrate Pumphouse Park officially reopening after major improvements

Calgarians can once again gather, cycle and connect along the Bow River as The City of Calgary officially reopens Pumphouse Park today following the completion of construction on the revitalized riverside destination. This marks a key milestone in The City’s commitment to strengthening neighbourhoods and investing in high-quality public spaces.

Located beside the historic Pumphouse Theatre, Pumphouse Park is a well-used public space that serves residents, commuters, theatre patrons and visitors from across the city. The improvements enhance the park’s role as a community gathering place while improving access to the surrounding pathway network and creating more opportunities for events, recreation and everyday use.

Calgarians gathered alongside the Sunalta Community Association, Pumphouse Theatre and project partners to celebrate the park’s reopening. The event featured live performances by Untold Stories Theatre, family-friendly activities, food and opportunities for residents to explore the renewed park and its new amenities.

Since Fall 2024, The City completed significant upgrades to the park and surrounding area, including new gathering spaces, improved pathway connections, additional landscaping, expanded parking and upgraded utility servicing to support future programming and events. The project was delivered through our Established Area Growth and Change Strategy, which invests in public realm improvements in established communities experiencing growth and change. As part of The City’s continued investment in infrastructure that Calgarians rely on every day, projects like Pumphouse Park help strengthen neighbourhoods and create vibrant public spaces that enhance quality of life now and into the future.

“Parks play an important role in building vibrant communities,” said Kyle Ripley, Director of Parks & Open Spaces.  “The improvements to Pumphouse Park create more opportunities for recreation, community gatherings and events while ensuring the park continues to meet the needs of residents, visitors and pathway users.”

For more than 50 years, the Pumphouse theatre has been home to Calgary’s performing arts community, hosting productions from established theatre companies, emerging artists, and community groups. These park improvements create connection between the theatre and surrounding public space, creating a more welcoming destination for patrons and visitors alike.

“The Pumphouse Theatre has long been a gathering place for Calgary’s arts community since 1972,” said Sabrina Mueller, Operations Manager, Pumphouse Theatre. “These improvements modernize the park to welcome more than just the Calgary Arts Community and help all of Calgary enjoy this charming area just west of Downtown.”  

The project was shaped by community feedback, including the desire for better amenities, improved accessibility and flexible spaces capable of supporting both everyday recreation and larger community events.

“We’re excited to see residents and visitors enjoying the renewed park,” said Kaylee Bossert, Sunalta Community Association. “Pumphouse Park is a valued part of Sunalta, and these improvements create more opportunities for people to spend time outdoors and enjoy this unique area of our community.”

Pumphouse Park now includes:

·       Improved pathway connections throughout the park and to the Bow River pathway network

·       New picnic areas, gathering spaces, barbecues and fire pits

·       Additional seating, trees and landscaping

·       Expanded parking with asphalt and gravel stalls

·       New water and electrical servicing to support future festivals, events and community activities

For more information about Pumphouse Park and the completed improvements, visit Pumphouse Park Improvements visit https://www.calgary.ca/planning/projects/pumphouse-park-improvements.html and Pumphouse Park

Courtesy: The City of Calgary Newsroom