Investing in new community spaces that bring people together

Infrastructure projects in 2026 are creating new park, sport and library spaces for Calgarians to enjoy  

Life is about more than just work and sleep. Having places people can go to relax, socialize, learn and play is a big part of what makes a good city great. As Calgary grows, we’re creating more places where people can connect with community, nature, recreation and learning.

“Calgary is growing quickly, and we’re investing in both new and improved spaces that respond to that growth,” says Ryan Atkinson, Director of Public Spaces Delivery with The City. “Whether it’s a park, library, athletic field or community hub, these investments mean more ways for people to connect with each other and their communities.” 

More places to play and stay active 

Calgarians will soon have more opportunities to get active, join local sports leagues and enjoy recreation close to home.  

This fall, we’re finishing construction on Rocky Ridge Athletic Park with two new outdoor artificial turf fields. Artificial turf allows the fields to be available earlier and later in the season, while new lighting helps people play later into the evening. Future plans for the site include an indoor fieldhouse.   We’re also beginning work on the Northeast Athletic Complex: a new sport space which will boast four outdoor multisport fields, an indoor fieldhouse, and Calgary’s first cricket pitch designed to host competition at the local, regional and national level. 

Looking forward, GamePLAN has identified more investments in new and renewed recreation infrastructure to help meet Calgary’s long-term recreation needs. Funding for these investments will be considered as part of Council’s budget process this fall. 

We’re building new places to learn and connect.  

Libraries and community hubs help bring people together. They create welcoming spaces where residents can learn, access services, spend time with neighbours and build community. 

Construction began this year on the Symons Valley Centre Library, a new 15,000 square foot facility including parking and a green space. The new library is part of a larger community hub that will eventually include a transit terminal, housing and shops, bringing a growing community together.  

Construction also continues on the Belmont Fieldhouse and Library: a new community hub featuring a 10,000 square foot public library paired with fieldhouse for year-round sport. When it opens in 2027, it will be a focal point for community activity, where Calgarians in the southwest can meet, read a book, train and play all year round. Future plans include a new recreation facility that will add even more ways for residents to gather and connect.  

More places to relax and enjoy nature 

Parks give people room to breathe, explore and spend time outdoors.  

We’re upgrading Munro Park with new features like a natural play zone, community plaza, a 3-on-3 basketball court, and rainwater-powered gardens that clean water and create habitats for birds, bugs and butterflies. Finally, we’ve moved the Centennial Grove public art and the Richardson Ground Squirrel sculptures from the old Olympic Plaza here, where they can continue to be enjoyed. The upgraded park will reopen in late Fall 2026. 

We’re also creating a new feature section – the Chinese Market Gardens – to the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary that honours the Chinese families who once farmed the land and helped feed Calgary’s growing population. New pathways, native plants and interpretive features will help visitors connect with local history while enjoying one of Calgary’s most loved natural spaces. When complete, this will be a new and beautiful area for people to relax, birdwatch and experience nature.  

Courtesy: The City of Calgary Newsroom