Construction begins on $25M athletic park in NW Calgary slated for 2026 opening

Construction has begun on a new recreational park in Calgary’s northwest.

Rocky Ridge Athletic Park will expand recreational opportunities in the city’s growing northwest, the city says, and comes with a price tag of $25.1 million.

The park is being built next to the Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge, at 11300 Rocky Ridge Road.

It will have two competition-sized multi-use artificial turf sports fields, washrooms, parking, field lighting, and landscaping, according to the city.

Construction is expected to be finished in the fall of 2026.

The athletic park will be bookable through the city’s athletic fields booking system and will be operated alongside Calgary’s existing network of athletic parks and artificial turf fields, city officials say.

“The Rocky Ridge Athletic Park is a clear example of how we are planning for growth and responding to the needs of our communities,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “It’s a smart and necessary step for the future of Calgary, ensuring we create high-quality spaces where families, athletes, and community groups can come together, stay active, and thrive.” 

Recreation facilities in Calgary have faced increased pressure in recent years with the rapid rise of people moving to the city.

Council recently approved a strategy to address these issues; GamePLAN Making Waves aims to meet the growing need for accessible athletic spaces by having a total inventory of 89 artificial turf fields across Calgary by 2050.

The Rocky Ridge project was approved by city council in 2021 through the Revised Capital Investment Strategy and aligns with the plan, the city says.

Rocky Ridge Athletic Park is the first phase of the larger Rocky Ridge Athletic Complex vision, which will one day include an indoor fieldhouse, pending future funding availability.

“The Rocky Ridge Athletic Park adds much-needed outdoor recreation opportunities, expanding on the success of the Shane Home YMCA that The City completed in 2017,” said Kerensa Swanson Fromherz, director of public spaces delivery at the City of Calgary. “We are excited to be getting underway with construction so we can have the fields ready for use in the fall of 2026.”

Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp says the new park will have a positive impact on the local community.

“The demand for more soccer fields in this city has been loud and clear,” said Sharp. “We’ve heard from families, from local soccer clubs, and from young players who just want the chance to practice and compete close to home. This park is our answer. These new fields will directly address the shortage of available space in Ward 1 and citywide, giving our growing northwest communities the quality facilities they’ve been asking for.”