New one-acre greenspace with scenic downtown views proposed for Calgary
A new scenic spot with views of the Calgary skyline could be coming to the Max Bell Arena area, and the City wants Calgarians to help decide what it looks like.
The City of Calgary is proposing a new greenspace on an underused piece of City-stewarded land on the east side of the Max Bell Arena parking lot.
According to its website, the project would transform approximately 4,000 square metres of land, or about one acre, into a more accessible and usable outdoor space for Calgarians and visitors.
The project also includes improvements to approximately 120 metres of the existing pathway network west of Albert Park/Radisson Heights, near the CTrain station.
The City says that the concepts for the greenspace portion of the project will focus on framing the scenic downtown skyline, amphitheatre-style seating with stairs built into the hillside, and plateau space for gathering.
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Two concepts are currently being considered for the space, with each offering a different vision for how it could be used. The City is now asking Calgarians to weigh in and share how they would like to use the space.
Option one would create a more programmed destination, with an open plaza, activity areas for fitness and play, an overhead structure framing the downtown skyline, and tiered seating built into the hillside.
The City Of Calgary
Option two would focus on a more flexible gathering space that could accommodate small events and festivals. It would also feature the framed downtown view and tiered seating, creating an amphitheatre-style area for people to relax and gather.
The City Of Calgary
Public engagement is open until Aug. 27, and feedback will help the City determine which direction to take as the design moves forward.
The City plans to refine the concepts in September, before revealing a preferred design in November.
The detailed design phase is expected to take place in 2027, with construction potentially beginning in 2028, although both stages are pending budget approval.