With the announcement that Airdrie's newest regional park will welcome residents in just over two weeks, excitement is growing as residents anticipate what the park will offer now and in the future.
A 'soft opening' in northeast Airdrie
Located in the northeast quadrant along Range Road 292, the park’s “soft opening” is set for Saturday, November 30. Residents can explore initial features like walking trails and a seasonal skating loop.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (273118 Range Road 292 Northeast) and will include a fire, family-friendly activities, and food trucks.
Mayor Peter Brown emphasized the park as a community investment that will bring residents together in nature. Phase 1A, expected to be completed by the end of 2024, will focus on passive recreation, with future expansions set to include sports fields, cultural spaces, and other community-focused amenities. A new official name is expected in 2025 to honour the area’s heritage.
A look at what's coming
According to the NE Regional Park Master Plan, which Airdrie City Council endorsed in April 2024, the park's first phase will cover 22 acres out of a planned 185-acre development. Early amenities will include a paved pathway loop, a skating loop, a community garden, picnic areas, and a plaza for public art.
The full build-out of the park is expected to take 10 to 15 years, gradually adding features such as additional parking, playgrounds, cultural spaces, sports fields, and various areas. The design emphasizes inclusivity and community-centred spaces, balancing natural preservation with active recreation.
With the announcement that Airdrie's newest regional park will welcome residents in just over two weeks, some residents are asking questions about what the park will offer currently and in the future.
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Key features and amenities
The master plan envisions a space that balances active recreation and natural beauty. The central area will remain largely untouched, preserving its natural landscape, while more active zones are located to the east for sports and to the west for civic events. These areas will be linked by a network of accessible trails that use existing paths to minimize environmental impact.
Here’s a breakdown of the park’s key features:
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Civic events, culture, and arts: About 10 percent of the park will be dedicated to cultural and civic activities, including potential spaces for festivals, outdoor art installations, and a bandshell or outdoor stage. Permanent washrooms, picnic areas, and shaded seating will support larger events.
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Social and passive gathering spaces: Four per cent of the park will include picnic spots, a west entry plaza with BBQ grills and fire pits, and a tranquil storm pond with a boardwalk for quieter activities.
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Sports and recreation: The eastern section, which will make up 25% of the park, is designed for multi-use sports fields. These flexible spaces can accommodate a wide variety of sports, including soccer, tennis, basketball, lacrosse, and more.
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Trail network: A year-round trail network will be accessible for recreation, education, and historical exploration. Trails will be paved or compacted gravel to ensure accessibility for those using mobility devices.
Inclusive play and community spaces
The park will feature three dedicated areas for inclusive, nature-based play near recreational fields, event spaces, and wooded areas to provide a diverse play environment. An 18-hole disc golf course will be located east of a central pond, using the natural landscape to minimize disruption.
Community gardens are planned at three locations: a foraging and medicinal garden within the Indigenous Gathering Circle, one at the northeast corner, and another near the west playground.
Additional features
- Dog-friendly areas: On-leash access will be allowed throughout the park, with a fenced off-leash area planned in the southeast during future phases.
- Memorial walk: A memorial walk is envisioned in the northeast woodland, creating a space for remembrance and reflection.
- BMX and skate park: A BMX track, pump track, and skateboard park are proposed, designed to be complementary spaces for riders.
- Educational signage: Informative signs will guide visitors through the park’s history, culture, and environment, with entry signs at both the west and east entrances creating a welcoming arrival.
Infrastructure and environmental considerations
Infrastructure improvements are planned in phases, aligning with the park’s 10 to 15-year development timeline. These will include upgrades to electrical and water services, sustainable drainage solutions, and bioretention areas to manage stormwater. As Airdrie grows, nearby roads, including Range Road 292 and 291, will be expanded to accommodate increased traffic, and a third access point to the park's north is in the works.
A name to reflect heritage
The park’s official name is expected to be chosen in 2025 to honour the land’s heritage and deepen community connections.
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