For Calgarians in and around Sunalta, your local park just got a whole lot better.
The new and improved Pumphouse Park is officially open. According to The City of Calgary, construction on the park began in late 2024 and ended with a $3.6 million price tag.
Included in those costs are new gathering spaces, with seating, picnic and barbecue areas, as well as improved pathway systems and water-themed artwork and signage.
A new mainstay of the park will be three swinging benches that overlook the Bow River. Holding up the swings, and visible around the park, are blue pipes that pay homage to the space’s pumphouse history.
Kaylee Bossert, representing the Sunalta Community Association, said that the space is a more-then-welcome re-addition to the neighbourhood.
“Pumphouse Park has always been one of those special places for Sunaltans, a space known for its views of the river, the quieter moments and the way it offers a pause in the middle of a busy city,” she said.
“With the improvements we are celebrating today, more residents of Calgary will be able to experience and enjoy this part of the city. It is now more accessible, more welcoming and more comfortable for everyone who visits here.”
Bossert also thanked the residents of Sunalta and communities across Calgary for continuing to speak up for issues they care about.
Kyle Ripley, Director, Parks and Open Spaces, with The City of Calgary, said that as Calgary grows, ensuring that parks and greenspaces are not only maintained, but also prioritized is very important.
For Pumphouse Park specifically, a wide range of people will use the space, Ripley said, including people walking and wheeling and cycling along the pathway to families gathering and visitors attending performances at Pumphouse Theater.
“These spaces support physical and mental well-being and help strengthen the social fabric of our communities,” he said.
Park to bring happiness on the edge of downtown
Ward 8 Coun. Nathaniel Schmidt, said that although he couldn’t take credit for the park’s facelift, attending announcements like the opening are some of his favourite days on the job.
“Calgarians love their parks, it’s the one thing that we can all agree on that is valuable for the entire community, for people visiting Calgary and this park,” he said.
I’ve only been (in office) since October, so the team deserves all the credit, but it serves so many purposes right here. It’s an oasis in the middle of a busy area of the city with Crowchild Trail right there.”
Schmidt called the park a place that brings positive energy, saying that the more people that use a space, the healthier that community becomes.
“I’m so happy that this is being open today, because it’s going to be a huge benefit, not only for this community, but everybody on the bike paths as they’re coming by here too,” he said.
“You can stop for a pit stop and take a rest and hang out for the afternoon.”
