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Our Story
40+ Years of Transforming Calgary’s Outdoor Landscape
Terry Hawitt, together with Norm Harburn and Tom Walsh (the Foundation’s first president), established the Parks Foundation as a not-for-profit, with the goal to develop, enhance, and preserve parks and recreational spaces across Calgary.
In 1984, high-rises and parking lots were rapidly replacing natural spaces. Terry recognized green spaces needed to be preserved, especially in downtown Calgary. With help from friends, local officials, and community leaders, Terry successfully raised funds for Parks Foundation’s first major project – the urban park in Chinatown now known as Harmony Park.
Today, Parks Foundation projects continue to demonstrate the power of community-driven fundraising and philanthropy, with over $250 million invested into capital projects and hundreds of community-led park and sports initiatives supported over the years.
Over $250 Million
Invested Into Enriching Our City
The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index has consistently ranked Calgary as one of the most livable cities in the world for over a decade. In North America, our city is top-ranked in 2023 with an overall score of 96.8/100 across stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and culture & environment.
But livability is not shared equally across our city. Many communities still face gaps in access to quality parks, play spaces, tree canopy, and community amenities. Your support helps change that.
By investing in Parks Foundation projects including community-led initiatives, you help deliver green spaces that reflect local needs, strengthen neighbourhoods, and create lasting benefits for generations of Calgarians.
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Major Projects of the Last Decade
We thank The City of Calgary for 40 years of continued partnership and dedication towards our commitment to build accessible, inclusive, and vibrant outdoor spaces for all Calgarians. To learn more about our partnership, click here.
Rotary/Mattamy Greenway (2017)
North America’s largest urban pathway system, Rotary/Mattamy Greenway encircles Calgary and connects 55 communities, parks, wetlands, and recreation spaces.
Flyover Park (2021)
The first of its kind in Western Canada and a recipient of Park Excellence Award, Flyover Park transformed an underused area beneath the 4th Avenue flyover into an award-winning urban park.
Martin Family Pump Track & Skatepark (2025)
.Calgary’s first-ever combined concrete pump track and skatepark designed for wheelers of all ages and skill levels.
West Confederation Bicycle Pump Track (2022)
Calgary’s first asphalt pump track north of the Bow River and adds a vibrant, all-abilities cycling destination for the northwest communities.
Brawn Family Foundation Rotary Park (2023)
An outdoor space created with care and intention to ensure that all the elements were designed to help nurture the mental health recovery of Calgary’s youth.
Ramsay Inclusive Playground (2021)
A fully accessible playground that exceeds minimum accessibility standard, designed with universal design principles to accommodate children and families with diverse abilities and needs.
VIVO Inclusive Playground (2020)
A fully accessible, inclusive playground near VIVO recreation centre designed for children of all abilities and backgrounds. The playground features specialized equipment and a social gathering space for all ages.
Quinterra Legacy Garden (2020)
Calgary’s first interactive outdoor music garden and performance space created in memory of Lawrence, Joshua, Kaiti, Zackariah, and Jordan, five inspiring young adults whose lives were tragically lost in 2014.
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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Get In Touch
Parks Foundation is a civic partner and qualified donee.
225 – 13 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2R 1N8