Nearly 1,000 Calgary playgrounds at risk of closure: city report

Calgary could lose almost 1,000 playgrounds over the next decade unless city council approves a major funding boost, according to a new municipal report that warns aging infrastructure and rapid growth are pushing the system to a breaking point.

Calgary’s playground network, more than 80 per cent of which is at risk, faces a potential wave of closures without nearly $200 million in new investment.

At Shouldice Athletic Park, where families gather daily, the idea feels unthinkable.

Residents say the stakes are clear.

“It makes me feel sad,” said James Lawson. “We’ve got to keep the playgrounds maintained so the structures are still safe to be used, and kids can get out there and get off their phones and get exercising.”

Another parent, Bree, said losing playgrounds would be “really unfortunate,” adding that the city should do “whatever we need to do to make sure our playgrounds are staying open and well maintained.”

City officials stress the issue isn’t just about swings and slides, it’s about how Calgary grows. Mayor Jeromy Farkas said the conversation must include year‑round usability, drainage issues, and the broader question of how the city builds for the future.

“The number of playgrounds misses the deeper point,” he said. “How we grow needs to change, and how we build needs to change.”

Ward 4 Coun. DJ Kelly noted that access varies widely across neighbourhoods.

“Further north in Ward 4, there’s plenty of playgrounds,” he said. “Further south, there aren’t very many. That decision needs to be made on a neighbourhood‑by‑neighbourhood basis.”

The report shows Calgary currently has about five playgrounds for every 1,000 children, more than six when school playgrounds are included, putting the city ahead of many comparable municipalities in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. But more than half of those playgrounds are already over 20 years old and nearing the end of their lifespan.

City administration is recommending nearly $19 million annually to repair or replace aging structures. Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot says the city should also explore creative funding options.

“Start naming some of the playgrounds after major donors,” he said. “I’m happy to support the recommendations because I don’t want to lose playgrounds. The question is, where is the money going to come from?”

If the committee endorses the plan this week, it will still require final approval from full city council.