This Calgary park was home to the city's first public swimming pool
Calgary is home to plenty of parks, many of which have been here for over a century and have some interesting history, and J.H. Woods Park is no exception.
Located in Elbow Park, this park is named after James H. Woods, a newspaper publisher and philanthropist, who donated the land to the city. Originally known as Elbow Park Boulevard, the green space was renamed J.H. Woods Park in 1941 following Woodsâ death.Â
City of Calgary
One of the park’s most prominent features was its easy access to the Elbow River, where Calgarians had been swimming for years. In 1914, the City of Calgary formalized the site by introducing safety ropes, creating the cityâs first public swimming pool, which was operated by the City of Calgary, called Elbow Park Swimming Pool and Grounds.Â
The area quickly became one of the cityâs most popular inner-city swimming spots, second to the pool at Bowness Park. In the winter, it was transformed into a skating rink, which was also very popular.
In 1922, William Reader, the superintendent for Calgary Parks from 1913 to 1942, had a changing room house constructed, which doubled as a skate shack in the winter.Â
City of Calgary
The park saw many developments, such as play equipment, washrooms attached to the changing rooms, pathways, and ornamental plantings, which cemented it as one of the most attractive parks in the city at the time.
According to Heritage Calgary, âAttendance records for 1933 include the observation: âthe number at the Elbow Swimming [Pool] was so great that no record could be kept.’â
The park remained a staple for swimming until the 1940s, when constructed swimming pools started to gain interest.
Today, the park still stands, and while it might not be a top swimming destination in Calgary anymore, it still holds significant historical value. You can still find the changing room at the park, which is the only building of its kind in the city.
It is also home to the stunning Gerry Shaw Gardens and Freddie Lowesâ Garden, honouring a former player for the Calgary Stampeders, Gerry Shaw, and early Elbow Park district developer, Freddie Lowes.