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About Us
Championing Access to Nature, Play & Connection Across Calgary
Calgary’s parks and playgrounds are well loved! Our city has been consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities, and its extensive parks and green spaces are a big reason why. Data shows that Calgary offers more parkland per resident than any other major Canadian city.
Our city’s extensive, accessible parks and green spaces support physical and mental health, strengthen communities, and enrich quality-of-life. Yet, evidence still shows that not all Calgarians share equal access: many underserved neighbourhoods lack quality green space, sports places, community centres, and adequate tree canopy.
For more than 40 years, Parks Foundation has remained steadfast on our mission: to champion the conservation of green spaces and enhance access to nature, play and community spaces for Calgarians of all ages.
Parks Foundation, together with our partners, builds green spaces and amenities that are innovative and reflect the need of Calgary communities for generations to come.
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Creating Parks Through Partnerships
Our donors and community partners have made immeasurable impact. Over the years, we’ve led and supported the development of more than 300 innovative and inclusive projects that all Calgarians now enjoy.
Many of parks, playgrounds and community spaces are built by uniting donors, communities, and collaborators. By supporting underserved communities and building strong partnerships, we work together to enrich Calgary’s outdoor spaces and strengthen the city’s identity, wellbeing, and quality of life.
We are committed to reducing barriers to nature, play, and places to gather, responding to the urgency of the natural world, and fostering Calgary’s resilience now and for future generations.
With the support of our donors, partners, and neighbours, we are creating parks for all.
Our Impact
Over the years, Parks Foundation has raised over $250 million invested into capital projects.
We have transformed Calgary’s outdoor landscape through hundreds of park projects like the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway, a 145 km network of pathways and parks encircling Calgary.
In the past year, we partnered with 100+ community groups to build and revitalize outdoor and sport spaces with the generosity and support of our donors.
Parks Foundation initiatives range from building and enhancing playgrounds and natural spaces to dedication services for over 1,600 park benches and picnic tables, providing accessible places for recreation and remembrance.
Learn more about our impact through our Storybooks
READ OUR MOST RECENT ANNUAL REPORT
2025 At a Glance
Dollars Raised
Created and improvEd parks and community spaces across Calgary through the generosity of donors and partners
Grants for COMMUNITIES
Provided through the Building Communities Grant Program, helping schools & neighbourhoods create and improve play space
Grants for Sports
Provided through the Amateur Sport Grant Program, helping more Calgarians access sports
NEW SPACES COMPLETED
Built new parks and community spaces, creating more places for Calgarians to play, connect, and thrive
Projects IN MOTION
Supported projects across Calgary, including community‑led initiatives, Parks Foundation‑led projects, and legacy spaces
DEDICATION GIFTS
Customized bench and picnic table tributes for loved ones and special memories in parks across Calgary
Our Projects & Services
Park Projects
We lead and support the creation of major parks and signature spaces that enhance Calgary’s identity, livability, and connection to nature.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
We partner with local groups, schools, and residents to bring neighbourhood‑driven park, playground, and gathering space ideas to life.
GRANT PROGRAMS
We provide funding opportunities that help communities and organizations design, build, and improve parks, play spaces, and outdoor amenities.
PROJECT SUPPORT
We offer guidance, tools, and expertise – from early visioning to implementation – to help community projects succeed at every stage.
CANADA's FIRST DEMENTIA INCLUSIVE PARK
A pioneering space designed for and with for people living with dementia, their families, and caregivers.
CALGARY'S FIRST COMBINED PUMP TRACK & SKATEPARK
A new amenity at George Moss Park providing riders of different ages and abilities a welcoming environment.
Our Awards
2025 Parks Excellence Award
Awarded to Parks Foundation’s Martin Family Legacy Garden – A Dementia Inclusive Park project, presented by Alberta Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA)
2022 Mayor’s Urban Design Award
Awarded to Parks Foundation’s Flyover Park project, presented by The City of Calgary
2021 Parks Excellence Award
Awarded to Parks Foundation’s Flyover Park project, presented by Alberta Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA)
Mission
We create inclusive parks and community spaces that drive a sustainable and healthy future.
Vision
A healthy community uplifted by vibrant parks.
Values
Community. Collaboration. Integrity. Excellence. Inclusivity.
A Message from the Former Chair & CEO
As we celebrate another year of philanthropy in action, we witness the power of generosity transforming our parks and communities. The support of our donors and volunteers has turned visions into reality, creating vibrant spaces where Calgarians connect and thrive.
Through a total of $15.1 million of donations in 2024, Parks Foundation brought 21 new spaces to life. These donations not only funded projects, but they also sparked transformation. From the renewed rink in Crescent Heights, to the inclusive play space at St. Alphonsus School, to the development of Canada’s first ever dementia-inclusive park – Martin Family Legacy Garden, philanthropy has made it possible for parks to transform communities and transform lives.
This year, our supporters mobilized 100+ active projects. Volunteers and organizations have dedicated years of their lives to revitalizing sport and outdoor spaces because donations made their efforts multiply.
Our board has witnessed firsthand how philanthropy builds more than recreational spaces; it builds community. We’ve watched generosity transform projects from dreams into life-changing places that touch thousands of lives. These investments have strengthened relationships, built systems, and fostered a culture of collaboration that continues to create remarkable outcomes for Calgary’s parks and open spaces.
As we navigate a changing environment, we do so with confidence in our organization’s strength and the clarity of our shared purpose. Your commitment to partnership, your support for equity, and your dedication to creating vibrant spaces that every Calgarian can enjoy continues to guide us forward.
To our donors, volunteers, community partners, and The City of Calgary, thank you for believing in the transformative power of parks. Thank you for putting your philanthropy into action. Thank you for proving, again and again, that generosity transforms everything it touches.
Hilary Zaharko, Former Board Chair
Sheila Taylor, Former Chief Executive Officer
Our Major Donors & Partners This Year
Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization and a civic partner.
We thank The City of Calgary for over 40 years of collaborative work on transforming our city’s outdoor landscape. Our projects are brought to life through the generosity of all our donors and the support of our partners and friends. Thank you for working with us on creating and revitalizing spaces where all Calgarians can thrive.
Give To Our Parks
Parks Foundation is a civic partner and qualified donee, which makes your donation eligible for charitable tax credits. For more information, please see our Receiving Donations and Issuing Tax Receipts Policy.
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Parks Foundation is a civic partner and qualified donee.
225 – 13 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2R 1N8
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