Parks Annual Report 2012

Annual Report 2012

Onward/ By 2020, Calgary communities are resilient, complete and connected.

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Contents

Message froM the general Manager 2Message froM the DIreCtor 3Who We are 4What We Do 6WhY We Do It 10hoW We Do It 18Parks’ aWarDs In 2012 24fInanCes 26Parks bY the nuMbers In 2012 27Parks In the neWs 28What’s next 30

MessAge fRoM the geneRAl MAnAgeR

2 Parks | AnnuAl RepoRt 2012

Recognizing the need for capital projects to address city growth as well as lifecycle needs of existing facilities, we celebrated the grand opening of the Genesis Wellness Centre and the reopening of Calgary’s only indoor public park, Devonian Gardens, following an extensive renovation. Funding for four new recreation centres was secured and the Community Investment Fund supported numerous projects including Bowness park, Shouldice Aquatic Centre, optimist park, tree planting and playground replacements.

the Calgary Fire Department opened two fire stations, and the new emergency operations Centre also opened, housing the Calgary emergency Management Agency and the public Safety Communications (9-1-1) backup centre.

All of this work supports what citizens believe to be important: a family-friendly city, quality service, help for those in need and investment in community infrastructure. these are things that contribute to bettering neighbourhoods and creating a city in which we all want to work, live and play.

Calgary is a better place because employees and partners of the Community Services & protective Services department care about citizens, our community and one another.

erika Hargesheimer General Manager Community Services & protective Services the City of Calgary

Dear Council, citizens and City colleagues,

ensuring Calgary is a socially inclusive, liveable and sustainable city is at the heart of all we do. We take great pride in serving Calgarians and we work hard to continually improve quality of life in our city in partnership with community agencies, community and social recreation associations, civic partners as well as a network of provincial and federal emergency management agencies.

2012 was a busy and exciting year for Community Services & protective Services. We began the year with Recreation centennial celebrations. Dubbed Rec100, we celebrated each month with a theme and fun-filled activities. Another highlight was Calgary’s designation as Cultural Capital of Canada, affirming Calgary as a city enriched by diversity.

the Multi-Agency School Support team (MASSt) expanded in 2012. this innovative partnership with Calgary police Service, Community & neighbourhood Services and school boards, provides early intervention services to elementary-age children exhibiting high-risk behaviour or victimization that may lead to criminal involvement. Additionally, we received a commitment from Council through Fair Calgary to initiate work on a single point of entry system for eligibility and access to all low-income programs and services offered by the City.

More than 160,000 Calgarians attended Canada Day celebrations which included events connected along olympic plaza, prince’s Island park, RiverWalk, Riverfront Avenue to east Village and Fort Calgary. And 16,500 citizens voiced their opinions over a six-month period on what matters most to them about their library and what a 21st century library should be. this input is now being used to guide the next phase of work for the new Central library.

MessAge fRoM the DIReCtoR

3Messages froM the general Manager and director

Welcome to the City of Calgary Parks’ 2012 annual report. I hope you enjoy reading about our accomplishments of the past year.

In one word, rejuvenation best describes 2012 for the City of Calgary parks.

Specifically, parks and our community partners celebrated the rebuilding and reopening of Devonian Gardens, one of the world’s largest indoor parks. As well, we began a major restoration of Bowness park, one of Calgary’s oldest and most popular parks.

the City of Calgary parks also started work in 2012 on refreshing a vision for Calgary’s parks and open spaces. imagineParks is the name of the 30-year vision that will serve as a foundation for our future 10-year strategic plans and annual business plans.

the first task for creating an imagineParks vision was public consultation. We spoke with citizens, stakeholder groups, school children and others to tap into what they want their parks to be like in 30 years and what we need to do to achieve this vision.

the feedback on our park system was overwhelmingly positive during the imagineParks public consultations. Calgarians deeply love and value their parks. Calgarians also want parks to maintain and enhance the high quality of parks and open spaces that they use and enjoy. Hearing this feedback was inspiring. It reaffirms the positive contributions that our parks and services provide every day.

on behalf of all parks staff, we hope you have many opportunities to enjoy Calgary’s wonderful parks and open spaces this year. take the time to explore at least one new park in 2013!

Anne Charlton, M.l. Arch., CSlA Director of parks the City of Calgary


the City of Calgary Parks is the steward of our municipal open spaces. Parks staff are proud and passionate in this role and represent a wide range of professions including: horticulturalists, planners, arborists, biologists, community liaisons, geospatial technicians, summer labourers, entomologists, public educators, landscape architects, communicators and more.

Who We ARe

5Who We are

Parks Planning & Development:

• Workwithdeveloperstopreservenaturallandscapeandwatershedfeatures,andprovidepublicparksandopenspacesinnewcommunities.

• Planninglifecycleupgradesanddesignimprovementstoexistingparksandopenspaces.

• Ensureculturallandscapesareidentified,preservedandcelebratedtoconnectCalgarianstotheircommunitiesandtheirpast.

Parks Operations:

• Activitiesincludemowing,playgroundinspectionandrepair,litterpickup,shrubbedwork,irrigation,infrastructureandequipmentmaintenance.

• Communitysupport,includingassistancetofestivalsandspecialevents,communitygardensandorchards,off-leashareamanagementandrespondingto311servicerequests.

Urban Forestry:

• WorktoensurethatCalgarianshaveasustainable,healthyandsafeurbanforestforcurrentandfuturegenerations.

• AdministerandensurecompliancewiththeTreeProtectionBylawandStreetBylawtopreserve,enhanceandprotectCity-ownedtrees.

Environmental & Education Initiatives:

• Promoteecologicalliteracyandactionsothatcitizensarebetterabletounderstandandappreciatetheirsurroundingsandbeactiveenvironmentalstewards.

• Manageavarietyofpubliceducationandcitizenvolunteerprogramsthatsupportenvironmentalstewardship.

Water Management:

• Provideasustainablemodelforwatermanagementthatpromoteswaterandsoilconservation.

• GuidefuturedecisionmakingforwaterusageinCalgary’smunicipalparks.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM):

• ProtecttheenvironmentandvalueofpublicinfrastructurebykeepingpestpopulationsundercontrolthroughscientificIPMprinciplesandhorticulturalbestpractices.

• Ensurelegislativecomplianceanddevelopbestpracticesfortarget-specificpestcontrolmethods.

Cemeteries:

• ManageandoperateQueen’sParkCemetery,Queen’sParkMausoleumandthefourheritagecemeteries:Union,Burnsland,ChineseandSt.Mary’s.

• PlanforthedevelopmentofthenewcemeterypropertyinsoutheastCalgary.

Pathways:

• Manageandmaintainthealmost800kilometresofmunicipalpathways(including300kmofpathwaysnowremoval).

• ImplementrecommendationsfromthePathwaySafetyReviewandconductannualinspections.

Natural Areas Management:

• ManagemunicipalnaturalareastoensuretheysupportwildlifeandplanthabitatandpromotehealthybiodiversityinCalgary.

• Carryoutavarietyofprojectswithinnaturalareas,suchastrailrestorationsorinvasiveweedsuppression.


the City of Calgary Parks provides and maintains public spaces that contribute to a high quality of life in Calgary. Parks provide citizens with accessible open spaces for exercising, spending time with family, enjoying nature, playing sports and taking part in a wide range of community activities.

What We Do

What We Do 7

Devonian gardensCalgary’s only indoor park reopened after undergoing a major rejuvenation — its first significant lifecycle upgrade since opening in 1977. located in the downtown Core Shopping Centre, the $37-million capital project brought one of Calgary’s most treasured public spaces new life with a fresh, timeless look.

the reopening of Devonian Gardens means Calgarians can once again escape those cold winter doldrums by stepping into a garden of tropical plants and natural light. It offers a skylight that seems as long as the prairie sky, meandering walkways, water fountains, tree-decked plazas and fish ponds. there is also a green “living wall,” an indoor playground, and environmentally themed drop-in programs and events.

“ I’m delighted to see that this gem has been restored, as it is something very special for all Calgarians to enjoy. Parks make cities vibrant, livable and memorable. The redevelopment of Devonian Gardens has restored our city’s only indoor public park into an international destination once again. ”

— Mayor nenshi


Bowness ParkIt’s about 100 years old and one of Calgary’s highest-use parks. Bowness park was suffering from a century worth of wear and tear. plus, its road and pathway system just couldn’t handle its popularity. the good news is major improvements got under way in 2012.

the redevelopment of Bowness park will balance old and new. the park will be redesigned to sustain more visitors while restoring historic features, such as the memorable mini-train. other improvements include a new entrance bridge, concession building, central square (with fire pits and seating) and a new dock for lagoon access. environmental sustainability is a key component of the project. trees (at the end of their lifecycles) have been replaced at a 2:1 ratio. Riverbanks will be stabilized and protected from overuse.

this three-year restoration project is funded by the Community Investment Fund ($10.1 million) and enMAx legacy Fund ($327,000).

What We Do 9

skating at Carburn Park parks opened a new outdoor ice skating rink right in time for the 2012 holiday season. located in beautiful Carburn park, the skating pond is the size of two indoor rinks. parks’ other outdoor skating rinks are at prince’s Island, Bowness park, olympic plaza prairie Winds park and Big Marlborough park. the rinks provide Calgarians with fun, healthy, wintertime opportunities to enjoy our beautiful public open spaces.

Cultural landscapesCalgary has some historically significant landscapes, such as Reader Rock Garden, nose Hill park and Central Memorial park. Cultural landscapes connect Calgarians with our local history. parks’ new Cultural landscape Strategic plan provides a set of policies, strategies and best practices for the City to identify, protect, manage and celebrate the rich collection of historic resources found within Calgary’s open space system.


healthy urban parks contribute to a healthy city and healthy environment. for example, a growing body of health research shows access to nature and green spaces can make people happier, healthier and less stressed. As well, urban natural areas contribute to improved water quality, flood control and healthy plant and animal life.

WhY We Do It

Why We Do it 11

Providing vibrant spaces Maintaining safe, positive places for children to play and families to socialize supports the City of Calgary’s goal of fostering complete communities. last year, 23 City playgrounds were completely replaced and four playgrounds received new fall surfaces at a cost of about $2.6 million. Almost

$1 million of this total was allocated from the Community Investment Fund, while another $1.6 million came from parks Foundation Calgary and through community fundraising initiatives and private donations.

Why We Do it 13

growing the urban forestIn 2012, parks concluded research and public engagement on how Calgarians view their urban forest and potential initiatives to encourage tree preservation. About 1,600 Calgarians provided input and shared ideas. Staff also completed a status report on the 2007 parks urban Forestry Strategic plan. the report summarized progress to date and clarified future direction for our urban Forestry program.

Caring for our treesparks planted 332 trees across the city last year as part of its poplar lifecycle and Species Diversity project. Made possible by the Community Investment Fund, this investment in our city’s beauty and environmental health included an assessment of the City’s aging poplar trees in need of replacement. the 166 poplar trees identified to be at the end of their lifecycle were replaced with shade trees such as oaks, ashes or elms at a 2:1 ratio. planting trees of mixed ages and species will ensure the trees can be enjoyed now and by future generations.

tree pest suppressedparks treated the last known City-owned elm trees infested with european elm Scale in 2012. over the past seven years, parks successfully treated all City-owned trees infested with these insects. parks will continue to monitor for future infestations.

Mosquito controlparks’ ongoing mosquito suppression program helped reduce incidents of mosquitoes in 2012. parks conducts larvae monitoring and treatment at optimal times and sites in the spring to reduce mosquito populations, and monitors for the West nile virus-carrying species in spring, summer and autumn.


lush sounds, lush gardenlunchtime crowds at Devonian Gardens were treated to a feast for the ears last December. three Calgary philharmonic orchestra ensembles provided free concerts in the rejuvenated indoor park. What a great venue for Cpo musicians to showcase their talent and connect with their fellow citizens.

heavy tributethe impressive WWII Howitzer gun in Queen’s park Cemetery’s Field of Honour underwent a much-needed makeover just in time for Remembrance Day. parks staff worked with the City’s Fleet Services and Water Services business units to figure out a way to transport the massive 12,850-pound weapon to a shop where it could be sandblasted, primed and painted. the refurbished Howitzer will now shine for many more Remembrance Day gatherings, as a tribute to local veterans.

Why We Do it 15

hike for health eventMore than 600 students, teachers and volunteers got exercise and explored nose Hill park last summer. nature educators set up learning stations along a hiking trail so participants could gain a deeper appreciation for this massive park’s natural wonders. the program was held in conjunction with the Get to Know program that fosters environmental literacy and stewardship among youth.

Community gardensCommunity gardens are becoming more and more popular with Calgarians as a way to build strong relationships within their neighbourhoods. that’s not to mention their practical benefit as a way to grow some healthy food. last year, parks helped community groups bring new community gardens to communities such as Mount pleasant, Chaparral, Millrise, Forest lawn, Valley Ridge, Wildwood, Southwood, Richmond-Knob Hill and Killarney.


Urban beautyparks staff received plenty of positive attention and citizen compliments for their year-round efforts to beautify our city with festive displays, lights and seasonal planters. Staff draw inspiration for displays from the uniqueness of each setting, with the goal of achieving a big visual impact at low cost.

Centre City parksparks gathered input from citizens and developed plans to transform parking lots in east Victoria and the west end of downtown into community parks. other Centre City initiatives included working on park improvement plans for Century Gardens in the west end and Sien lok park in Chinatown. parks also assisted the Calgary Municipal land Corporation with its award-winning RiverWalk project that has resulted in great new public spaces along the Bow River pathway.

Why We Do it 17

P.U.P.P.Y. turns twonow in its second year, the p.u.p.p.Y (pick up pooch’s poo Yourself ) program provided opportunities for Calgarians to speak with parks and Animal & Bylaw Services staff while learning why picking up their pet’s waste helps deter environmental, public health and community problems. twenty parks played host to p.u.p.p.Y in 2012. each event involved a community-based park cleanup combined with public education opportunities.

sue higgins ParkMore improvements to the off-leash areas in Sue Higgins park (formerly Southland park) are under way. three years since completing an initial phase of major improvements in the park, a second phase of funding is delivering granular trails, more benches and a fenced-in dog training area. Southland park was renamed in tribute to long-time area Alderman Sue Higgins, while tuckey Grove in the park honours citizens nora and Sid tuckey’s park stewardship efforts.

stewarding our riverbedsparks hosted an army of volunteers who spent a spring day making our city even more beautiful as part of the 45th Annual pathway and River Cleanup. In May, more than 1,800 volunteers spent the day picking up 5,700 kilograms of garbage along the city’s major waterways, including the Bow and elbow rivers, nose Creek and the Glenmore Reservoir. the best news of all was the 20 per cent decrease in garbage in these areas compared to what was collected in 2011.


the City of Calgary Parks continually evaluates its services and looks for efficiencies in its operations through internal reviews, pilot projects and international benchmarking and best practices. external partnerships and public education are essential to Parks’ daily operations and success.

hoW We Do It

3%increase

94%calgarians are satisfied With the PathWaY sYstem

2%increase

95%calgarians are

satisfied With Parks

How we Do it 19

Community collaborationparks and residents of Fairview collaborated to enhance a well-loved neighbourhood park. leveraging existing community volunteer efforts, Council’s established Communities funding, and a corporate donation of materials, enhancements to this local park included a new pathway, playground, benches, picnic tables, shrub beds and trees.

high citizen satisfactionparks maintained its strong annual citizen satisfaction scores in 2012. ninety-five per cent of Calgarians responding to the Ipsos Reid Citizen Satisfaction Survey said they were either “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with our parks and open spaces (that’s up two per cent from 2011), while 94 per cent were “satisfied” with the pathway system (up three per cent from the previous year).

Parkletsparks furthered its efforts to encourage Calgarians to be good environmental stewards with a new initiative. to help parks’ public educators reach new audiences, parklets introduce Astroturf-equipped mini parks in unexpected places, such as local shopping malls. thanks to the extended reach, more than 800 Calgarians learned about parks programs and local ecological issues, such as the negative environmental impacts of dog waste not being picked up.


Playground inspectionsparks added 25 new playgrounds in 2012, bringing the total to 1,073. City staff inspects each playground seven times a year. In an effort to improve operational efficiencies, a trial project last summer focused on training staff members (i.e. those performing regular park maintenance duties) in basic playground inspection skills, so they could include this as part of their daily tasks.

Residential streets Policy parks worked closely with transportation planning to include tree planting in this new City policy. the policy improves community livability and walk-ability by adding more trees in new residential communities. this policy also outlines new standards to increase tree sustainability, such as minimum soil volumes for tree planting.

Public safetyparks partnered with the Southwood Community Association, Calgary police Service and Calgary transit to enhance public safety and deter undesirable activities in a park close to an lRt station. park improvement highlights included removing a fence for better sight lines, relocating park benches, installing new pathway lighting and adding public art.

How we Do it 21

health, safety and environmentparks has a systematic approach for identifying workplace hazards, preventing or minimizing potential health and safety concerns, and reducing environmental impacts. Advancements in 2012 included an improved and updated employee handbook and production of 13 safety videos (with staff participation). parks also re-registered to the international standard ISo 14001, demonstrating our ongoing dedication to the environment and our quest for continual improvement.

PARIs projectpARIS (parks Asset Reporting & Information System) is a leading-edge integrated asset management system that tracks and provides quick, accurate analytical reports on work performed on the more than 1.5 million assets maintained by parks staff.After four-and-a-half years, the final development phase of the pARIS project was completed in 2012.

shale and gravel savingsparks partnered with a local gravel merchant last year to excavate and recycle almost 144 tandem loads of red shale and pea gravel from ball diamonds and playgrounds across the city. In terms of dump fees, labour and machinery costs, this translated into a savings of $156,000.


turf testsparks is testing how to improve our green spaces. So far, tests with enhanced soil biology treatments are producing healthier grass that can better resist weed invasions. parks is also testing the placement of concrete-canvas strips underneath park fences as an effective weed control barrier. If successful, this is something that could cut back on the time mowing crews spend weed trimming.

Mowing improvementsparks made operational improvements to mitigate lengthy grass mowing delays sometimes caused by heavy rain and soggy turf conditions. these changes included moving to a new six-day mowing crew schedule; prioritizing mowing for sport fields, regional parks and other highly used and visible green spaces; and augmenting parks staff with external contractors. parks also concluded a successful two-year pilot project on contracting out mowing in select areas.

How we Do it 23

Water wiserparks removed water service connection points at 95 older locations where irrigation hadn’t been used in more than five years. this initiative will reduce the possibility of cross contamination of the public water supply and save on maintenance costs.

Irrigation efficiencyWe made ongoing improvements to parks’ computerized central control irrigation system this year. this automated system improves the responsiveness of irrigation by allowing water to be programmed based on plant need and weather conditions. In 2012, parks continued to operate and manage the world’s largest system. In an independent study of municipalities using similar technologies, the City of Calgary was rated the most efficient and effective, with 263 sites per operator position compared to an industry average of 132.

Invasive species controlparks removed approximately 20 metric tonnes of invasive weeds from Calgary parks in 2012. Guided by federal and provincial legislation, as well as the City of Calgary’s Integrated pest Management plan, parks staff used a variety of international best practices to control invasive species. As well, parks continued to collaborate with surrounding municipalities and other government agencies to reduce the spread of invasive species in the region.

satin moth patrolparks monitored and tracked where large satin moth populations were establishing. the communities of Willow park and Maple Ridge had large satin moth populations, which can endanger trees by completely stripping and defoliating them of their leaves. parks pressure-sprayed specific poplar trees with water where large numbers of caterpillars were present and hatching. In all, parks treated 922 trees at risk in the area.

Citizen scienceparks launched a successful Citizen Science pilot project where the public recorded observations of songbirds in the city. the goal is to evaluate the feasibility of engaging the public in collecting biodiversity data that will be used to help assess Calgary’s environment. plans are under way to roll out the volunteer program again in 2013.


Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) 2012 Parks Excellence Award

ARPA’sOpenSpaceNetworkintroducedthisawardtorecognizeachievementsorinnovativeideasforparksandopenspaceoperations,andtoincreasetheprofileofparksandopenspaceprofessionalsinAlberta.TheRalphKleinParkEnvironmentalEducationandEthicsCentrewasrecognizedforitsuniqueapproachtoprogrammingwithinthewetlandpark.

Conference Board of Canada’s Global Best Award

EncanaEcoActionSchool’sCalgaryCampus/OpenMindswasrecognizedwithanawardforpartnershipswhichdemonstratecapacitybuilding,leadershipandinnovationfortheAmericas.Theprogramwasalsohonouredwiththeoverall2012GlobalBestAwardfortheAmericas.

Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM)

ParksreceivedtheOutstandingGovernmentalGoverningBodyAwardforitspubliceducationprogramsmanagedthroughavarietyofpartnershipsincludingEcoActionSchool,NatureSchoolandCityHallSchool.Theprogramsinspireenvironmentalliteracy,engagestudentsinenvironmentalstewardship,andcontributetoahealthy,sustainablefuture.

Calgary Board of Education Lighthouse Award

EncanaandTheCityofCalgaryParkswerehonouredinJunewiththeCalgaryBoardofEducation’sLighthouseAwardforexceptionalsupportofschoolsandstudents.EncanaEcoActionSchoolmovestheclassroomintothefascinating,educationallyrichenvironmentofRalphKleinParkforanentireweek.

PARks’ AWARDs In 2012

25hoW We do it

Heritage Canada Foundation Achievement Award

ParkswasrecognizedfortherestorationofCentralMemorialPark.Afterworkingcloselywiththecommunityonthedevelopmentofaconceptstrategyforthesite,ParkscreatedalandscaperestorationplanthatsuccessfullypreservedtherichhistoryoftheparkwhileintegratingthecontemporaryneedsofCalgary’sdowntownneighbourhoods.

Calgary Heritage Authority Lion Award – Cultural Landscape Strategic Plan

Culturallandscapesarehistoricallysignificantlandscapes.Similartootherhistoricresources,culturallandscapesconnectCalgarianswiththeirpastandhelptellthestoryofhowCalgarydevelopedandhowCalgarianslived.Parks’CulturalLandscapeStrategicPlanestablishedasetofpolicies,strategiesandbestpracticesforTheCitytoidentify,protect,manageandcelebratetherichcollectionofhistoricresourcesfoundwithinCalgary’sopenspacesystem.

Calgary Heritage Authority Lion Award – Memorial Drive Poplars

Parkshasbeendiligentlyworkingtopreservethismuch-lovedlivingmemorialoftrees.Parksbegananextensivepruningprogram,securedcuttingsfromtheremainingoriginaltrees,startedtheprocessofcloningthetreesandplannedareplantingprogramusingtheclonedmemorialtrees.Over350oftheclonedtreeshavenowbeenplantedandthelivingmemorialcontinues.

fInAnCes

Capital Program 2011 % 2012 %

legacy Parks 8.2 23 9.5 22

Parks and natural areas 22.8 65 29.0 67

Pathways 4.1 12 4.7 11

total 35.1 100% 43.2 100%

Parks capital analysis ($ millions), 2012

Lines of Service 2011 % 2012 %

Managing and growing the parks system 2.9 4 2.9 4

Parks operations – Central 8.6 11 10.9 14

Parks operations – suburban 39.9 53 36.0 46

City-wide Parks services 24.0 32 27.7 36

total 75.4 100% 77.5 100%

note: excluding Cemeteries and Strategic Services.

Parks operations ($ millions), 2012

Municipal government property tax

.56¢

Provincial governmentproperty tax

.44¢

Animal & Bylaw Services 0.4¢Public Safety 0.7¢Communications (9-1-1)Community & 1.0¢Neighbourhood ServicesRecreation 1.5¢Parks 2.7¢Calgary Fire Department 6.3¢

{

Dollar diagram/distribution of tax dollars, 2012

the Alberta Government receives 44 cents from every dollar collected through City of Calgary residential property tax bills.*

of the 56 cents collected for the municipality, the City spends 12.6 cents on Community Services & protective Services, as follows:

* Based on the combined current municipal and provincial property tax rates as independently determined by each level of government.

Parks operating budget vs. actual expenditures ($ millions), 2009-2012

20122011201020090

20

40

60

100

80

Operating budget Actual expenditures NOTE: Excluding Cemeteries and Strategic Services.

77.5 77.675.4 76.273.6 74.271.2 72.3

$ m

illio

ns


27hoW We do it

open spaces made up approximately 12 per cent of land within Calgary in 2012. this includes:· 7,765 hectares of managed parkland and natural areas· 1,940 hectares of open space (environmental reserve)· 640 hectares of land

managed by other partners (such as the Calgary Zoo)

95 per cent of Calgarians surveyed as part of the Ipsos Reid Citizen Satisfaction were very or somewhat satisfied with our parks and open spaces (up two per cent from 2011), while 94 per cent were satisfied with the pathway system (up three per cent).

1,070 playgrounds are inspected and maintained by parks (up by 25 from 2011).

925 soccer fields are maintained by parks, along with 66 tennis courts, 6 cricket pitches and 432 ball diamonds.

PARks BY the nUMBeRs In 2012

4,350 trees were planted by urban Forestry staff in 2012 (in addition to many more planted through sponsorship programs and by private citizens and businesses).

22,370 service requests from citizens came to parks via the 3-1-1 system in 2012.

20 metric tonnes of invasive weeds were removed from park sites across Calgary in 2012.

135 community gardens are growing in Calgary.

nearly 800 km of municipal pathways, including 300 km of pathway snow removal.

76,300 volunteer hours from citizens were harnessed by parks in 2012.

316,500 participants participated in environmental education and Initiatives programs in 2012.

8,000 hours of environmental education and Initiatives programs were provided to Calgarians in 2012, including 3,374 hours at Ralph Klein park.

More than $450,000 in sponsorship grants was secured by parks in 2012 to support public environmental education and initiatives in 2012.

5,700 kg of waste was picked up by more than 1,800 volunteers as part of the 45th Annual pathway and River Cleanup.

1,350 people visited Reader Rock Garden and Inglewood Bird Sanctuary as part of open Doors Calgary.

PARks In the neWs


“ In a world over run with shopping malls, (Devonian Gardens) is an example worth following, worth paying attention to. I think it shows the way to the future.”

Christopher Hume, toronto Star, A Calgary mall worth following.

“ …when politicians and citizens focus on improving the amenities citizens need and use every day, parks being the best example, a city can thrive as a pleasant and desirable metropolis.”

Mark Milke, Calgary Herald, Cities thrive when parks are a priority, not megaprojects.

“ Playgrounds abound – half a dozen are within Varsity’s boundaries – and they stay noisy with a steady supply of local kids. …When the prairie sky burns blue, locals head to Bowmont Park, where they can revel in spectacular bird’s-eye views of the Bow River’s Bowmont Flats while exploring both the paved and pebbled pathways weaving throughout the park’s 164 hectares of natural forest, grassland and river habitat.”

Avenue Magazine, Calgary’s Best neighbourhoods, #1 Varsity

29hoW We do it

“ If there’s one thing most Calgarians will agree on, it’s the quality of the city’s park system.”

Mario toneguzzi, Calgary Herald, City parks soothe a person’s soul.

“ I will never forget when my nephew came to visit us in the mid-’90s (he was then about eight years old). As we were exploring the city, he said to us: “How many parks do you have, anyway?” Now that he’s grown up, he and his wife were recently visiting Calgary with their young son. His wife basically said: “I could live here! You have so many parks and playgrounds.”

Richard White, Calgary Herald, Inner city blessed with parks.

“ … Ralph Klein Legacy Park, one of the newest stars in the City of Calgary Parks system, is a fast-rising birding hot spot. The park, which opened in 2010, is also where I find Sid Andrews, the park’s interpretation co-ordinator and a true professional when it comes to birding. “If you live in Calgary, you live in one of the most exciting and diverse bird watching locations in North America,” he says, as we gaze over the low-lying marshland that covers the expansive wetlands park.”

Andrew penner, Calgary Herald, Birding 101: A newbie birdwatcher discovers nearby attractions.


What’s next

Calgary’s connected and diverse open space system creates healthy environments and is recognized as vital to public wellness and civic pride. Vibrant parks, pathways and natural areas are cherished and protected as places to connect with each other, nature, our heritage and to rest and play. – imagineParks: draft 30-year vision

What’s Next 31

imagineParksIn 2010, the City of Calgary parks celebrated its 100th anniversary. It was a time to celebrate our public open spaces, and to appreciate how much we’ve accomplished as a city. now it’s time to cast our gaze ahead and optimize all the recreation, environmental, community health and other benefits that parks provide Calgarians.

parks is working on a 30-year vision for Calgary’s parks and open spaces. this vision outlines goals and strategies that will serve as a foundation for future 10-year strategic plans as well as short-term business plans for parks and open space.

In 2012, parks began its work on a long-term vision by talking with Calgarians of all ages, backgrounds and interests. this included more than 1,400 responses from citizens who took part in stakeholder workshops, focus groups and

online/telephone surveys. As well, we held group discussions with 180 Grade 2 to 12 students from across the city to hear their impressions of parks now and ideas for the future. economic, social and environmental models and trends impacting Calgary were also studied. parks looked at some of the best parks and open space management practices and innovations happening in other cities around the world.

Finally, additional efforts were made to ensure this vision for Calgary’s public open spaces aligns with other major municipal plans such as imagineCAlGARY, the Municipal Development plan, Calgary transportation plan, and 2020 Sustainability Direction.

the draft vision will be presented to the public and Council in 2013.

2013

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Carburn park skating rink opening day, Dec. 21, 2012.

Parks Annual Report 2012

Documents

Transcript of Parks Annual Report 2012