Bowness Park partially reopens Monday, Nov. 10

Before winter officially settles in, you can take advantage of some of the last days of fall and enjoy Bowness Park again beginning, Monday, Nov. 10.

Skating party planned to celebrate the opening in the new year.

“We wanted to reopen the park to give Calgarians one last chance to enjoy it before winter truly sets in,” says Doug Marter, manager of Planning and Development. “We hope Calgarians will be able to get out to the park to see and enjoy its new features.”

The entire west side - including a new centralized parking lot, renovated picnic areas, and new central square - will be open to the public.

The central square features a new sitting area and gathering space near the lagoon to give park users a place to sit, relax and put on their skates.

Dust off those skates

Yes, you heard it right! Skating will be available at the park this winter, depending on how the weather cooperates.

We're looking for an operator for the new facility.

Construction on a new concession, which will include a tea house/cafe, rental shop and public washrooms, has also been completed. The City is now looking for an operator for the new facility and hopes to have one selected by mid-November.

Better experience and better for the environment

All of these areas and amenities are part of a project, which began in 2012, to enhance park visitors’ experiences and the park’s environmental health.

The east end of the park will remain closed throughout the winter and is expected to reopen next summer (2015). The park’s historic and well-loved mini train will even be back by next fall (2015).

As for a reopening event, The City's Parks department is currently working with the Bowness Community Association to plan a skating party early next year. More details will be available at calgary.ca/parks and through the Bowness Community Association.

More on Bowness Park.

Submitted by the Parks Communications team