parks & recreation
East Village is a rare urban neighbourhood firmly in touch with the natural world.
RiverWalk: Take Me to the Water
RiverWalk is a walking/cycling promenade that will extend 4 km from Centre Street all the way to Lindsay Park – in the process making Calgary a riverfront destination for the first time since its founding. Phase I of RiverWalk came to life in late 2010 and the innovative public art installations, plantings, lighting and promenade are a harbinger of great things to come.
Soon, you’ll be able to spend an entire day on the RiverWalk – its four kilometres are designed to be both a journey and a destination. You’ll relax on its many benches, find places to eat, enjoy the view from its outlooks, join celebrations on wide plazas, and touch the clear, blue-green Bow waters from bold basalt steps leading down the riverbanks. With designated spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, innovative native plantings, a variety of stones and woods, the RiverWalk lets you savour your stroll as it unfolds the story of the city.
St. Patrick's Island
After nearly a year of public consultation that incited 6,000 Calgarians to express their opinions, St. Patrick’s island is emerging as a wonderful East Village neighbour. Calgarians want the 30-acre island in the Bow River to remain pristine, but to also be more ‘usable‘; we want it to be a place for all; we want an ‘island experience‘ with access to and interaction with the water; we want it to be a place of entertainment, with intimate festivals. The master plan was released in July 2011 and is available online at www.calgarymlc.ca/island.
Invitation to the Edge
Just across 6th Street SE, the Fort Calgary lands will offer Parksiders walkable adventure. A recreational space is being planned for the south end and green play areas will bring the community together out of doors.
Park Development
Along with the open spaces of the RiverWalk, St. Patrick’s Island and Fort Calgary, two new public parks are planned for East Village: 5th Street Square and Centre (Celebration) Square. Meet a neighbour for a quick chat, rendez-vous with the moms’ stroller brigade or take a well-deserved break from your desk– these additional public open spaces will enhance the overall experience of our urban village.