ParksFest invites Calgarians from every quadrant of the city to dream big, share ideas and re-imagine the future of community parks.

ParksFest is a free, public outdoor event, taking place in Haultain Park on Saturday, September 21 from 1 – 4 p.m. This event will feature giant inflatable games, carnival games and stage performances. ParksFest also marks the official 10th anniversary celebration of Parks Foundation Calgary’s Building Communities program. To celebrate we will be awarding $50,000 through our special funding round – the Energize Awards.

Building Communities was created in 2009 with a vision of providing safe, interactive and fun spaces for Calgarians to play and build connections. Since its inception, Building Communities has provided more than $23 million dollars towards 160 local community projects. This year, to celebrate their 10th anniversary, ten local community projects were selected to compete for an additional $50,000 in award money ($25,000 for first place, $15,000 for second place, $10,000 for third place). These are called the Energize Awards. Calgarians will get a chance to place their vote at ParksFest for the Building Communities projects they think are most deserving of an Energize Award.

Click HERE to watch a video story of each project. All voting will take place on September 21 at ParksFest, with the successful award winners being named that day.

The Cambrian Heights Community Association (CHCA) is developing an open spaces strategy as part of its “Creating Our Future Together” initiative. This strategy is about ensuring Cambrian Heights is a community with “great open spaces” that serve as natural gathering points in the community and promote the quality of life of residents. Additionally, increased usage of these spaces contributes to building a vibrant community and helps to ensure their preservation for generations to come.

A key aspect of this strategy involves reimagining our open spaces, looking beyond what they currently are to what they could ultimately become. At this point, one area of focus is the park space located at northeast corner of 32nd Avenue NW & 10th Street NW. This space, which is a designated off-leash space, is a destination for pet owners from throughout the area and was the focus of a recent attempt by the City to remove this valuable park from our community for expansion of Queen’s Park Cemetery.

So, how might we reimagine and enhance this off-leash space to create the best possible experience for animals and people alike? If you are interested in getting involved in this conversation, the CHCA is looking for you. Please contact us at cambrianheights@gmail.com.

On behalf of the City of Calgary, the Community Cleanup Program led by Calgary Community Standards would like to thank the volunteers and the residents for a job well done at the Community Cleanup this year.

The City of Calgary, in partnership with Crescent Heights Community Association, invites you to enjoy the beautiful view in Rotary Park while Painting in the Park!

Join your neighbours as you paint your own view from Rotary Park!

Channel inspiration from our cities unique landscape while enjoying the beautiful outdoor park atmosphere.

FREE refreshments and cookies will be on hand to get your creative juices flowing!

This is a FREE event for the whole family and we welcome children to help their parents paint.

Registration is limited to 6 tickets per email address. Register Online Now!

Each ticket registered receives a canvas to paint and all paint supplies will be provided.

** Please note:
In the event of inclement weather, the activity may be cancelled.
This event is limited to 75 participants.

Alberta Family Perceptions of Neighbourhood Natural Supports

Natural supports are mutual relationships that include close connections, such as family and friends, and broader connections, such as neighbours and coaches.

This project is collecting information on families’ experiences and views of

1. The connectedness of their home neighbourhood
2. Current opportunities available within their neighbourhood that can enable the creation of natural supports
3. Barriers and enablers to participation in these opportunities

Caregivers of families with children currently living in the same household are invited to participate in a survey available at https://redcap.ualberta.ca/surveys/?s=FR8M43PL8C. This survey is in English and has 12 questions that will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Those who complete the survey will be able to enter into a draw to win one of several gift cards offered.

Background

Natural supports can lessen the effects of stress and difficult experiences by providing opportunities for learning, as well as receiving encouragement and advice. To increase natural support opportunities within Albertan neighbourhoods, we need to know what is happening within neighbourhoods, and what families would like to see developed.

Benefits of Participating

The findings of this project will help inform the use of natural supports in neighbourhoods to enable the creation of more supportive environments for children, youth and families in Alberta.

Next Steps

If you would like to participate and you have children currently in your care, please visit the following link to complete this survey: https://redcap.ualberta.ca/surveys/?s=FR8M43PL8C. If you would like additional information or have any questions, please email Jessica‐Lynn Walsh at jlawalsh@ucalgary.ca, or you may also call if preferred at 403‐441‐8464.

This project is being conducted by a Master’s and Policy Fellowship student, Jessica‐Lynn Walsh, and an undergraduate student, Jordan Overwater, at the University of Calgary on behalf of Policy Fellows Nancy Reynolds and Suzanne Tough, PhD. The work is supported by the Max Bell Foundation and the Burns Memorial Fund. This project has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB19‐0295 and
REB19-0626).

We want to hear from you.

The City of Calgary is working with Calgarians to update the Residential Parking Permit Policy. Review the possible options and provide input at the open house events below:

Tuesday, June 18 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association – 1320 5 Ave. N.W.

Saturday, June 22 9 a.m. – noon
Cardel Rec South – 333 Shawville Blvd. S.E.

Or participate online at calgary.ca/RPP from June 12-26.

Summer is just beginning and we’re already planning the second annual Asado and Open Mic. Save September 14 as a day to come together with your neighbours and friends and enjoy local produce, meat and homegrown talent.

In keeping with the spirit of an Asado, everyone can lend a hand.  Whether you want to participate with the food, music, set up or take down, there’s a role just right for you.  Some of our first tasks will happen over the summer sourcing food, entertainment and overall planning.

Join us over a glass of wine mid-July for early discussions.  Please contact Jodi or Pablo at social@cambrianheightscommunity.com or (403) 284-1175.

Over the last three years, the Calgary Police Service has developed a new unit to specifically address
Residential Traffic Safety. This unit has been presenting to each Ward in the City to both provide
and to solicit information on “problem areas” throughout the City to allow more specific and
targeted visibility and enforcement. This unit is specifically interested in Residential TRAFFIC issues.

The strategy has been:

• Utilize citizen feedback to inform operational response
• Focus on playground zones, pedestrian-rich locations and other high-risk locations identified
  through collision data analysis
• Emphasize public awareness and education, and facilitate citizen engagement through Ward Traffic Safety Meetings and to work with City partners to further support traffic calming measures
  outside enforcement

One of the key tools to help Calgary Police Service monitor and track these issues is the Traffic Service
Request (TSR).

IF YOU HAVE A TRAFFIC SAFETY CONCERN:

The Residential Traffic Safety Unit, as the next component to their mandate, would like to communicate with community associations to offer the opportunity to present directly to Board Members and discuss problems and solutions in your community. If you are interested in learning more, see below.

Download (PDF, 366KB)

Despite wet and cool conditions, the Cambrian Heights Community Jane’s Walk took place Saturday, May 4. After an introduction to the Green Spaces theme, 15 interested residents and non-residents ventured outdoors to visit six existing park areas within a short distance of the Community Hall.

The walk focused on the concepts of identification of the green spaces through naming, how to increase usage through different events or improved access, what changes/additions might be made to tree and shrub design and what facility additions (benches, gardens, picnic facilities, exercise stations, fire pits, community poster boards) might encourage all ages access and usage. Of particular focus was the Off-Leash Dog Park and what additions might make it more useful for all ages of pet owners.

After almost a 2 hour walk and outdoor discussion, the participants retreated to the warmth of the Hall for coffee and treats, and engaged in a session of documenting their thoughts and recording of specific ideas relating to each park space.

This Jane’s Walk was the kick-off to our Community objective of reviewing all our parks and green spaces and deciding, through consultation of community residents of all ages, what might be undertaken to encourage more usage through the day to day access and event inspired attractions. If you want to get involved with this process or have thoughts about these concepts feel free to contact the Community Association through cambrianheights@gmail.com