New Calgary leisure centre waterslide looks absolutely wild and trippy
Village Square Leisure Centre in Calgary may have lost its iconic waterslide after more than 30 years, but its replacement is looking pretty swanky.
If you’ve ever visited the pool at the leisure centre, chances are you’ve taken a ride down the Thunder Run. The slide was added in 1994, and the City says that replacing it was a more practical, long-term solution than continuing to repair the existing slide.
The northeast Calgary recreation centre closed its doors to the public on Aug. 31, 2026, as the aging facility undergoes $51 million in repairs and upgrades.
As part of the Village Square Leisure Centre repairs and upgrades project, the replacement slide has been designed to deliver a new generation of thrills while building on the experience Calgarians know and love.
Unlike the current open-air corkscrew design, the new slide will be fully enclosed, helping protect it from Calgary’s weather and supporting more reliable operation throughout the year. The ride will feature a dynamic path, taking riders through a series of changing twists and turns before reaching the runout below. The design also incorporates translucent sections that create changing colours and light effects throughout the experience.
A vibrant gradient colour scheme featuring reds, pinks, purples, oranges and yellows will make the slide a striking new addition to the Village Square Leisure Centre pool area.
City of Calgary
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“We’ve heard from countless Calgarians about what the Thunder Slide has meant to them over the years,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas.
“The incredible turnout for the slide’s final weekend showed just how much people care about places like this and that recreation facilities create memories that last a lifetime. Replacing the Thunder Slide means future generations will have the chance to create memories of their own and enjoy this beloved recreation experience for decades to come.”
Work is underway on repairs and upgrades at Village Square Leisure Centre, with the facility and new slide expected to reopen near the end of 2027.
Are you excited by the looks of the new waterslide being built at the Village Square Leisure Centre? Let us know in the comments.