Design unveiled for new Village Square waterslide
Posted Sep 17, 2026 11:08 am.
The City of Calgary has unveiled the design for a new waterslide at the Village Square Leisure Centre,
The new version will replace the beloved Thunder Run slide that entertained generations of Calgarians for more than 30 years.
The replacement slide will feature a fully enclosed design, a change from Thunder Run’s open-air structure. City officials say the enclosure will help protect the attraction from Calgary’s weather and reduce weather-related closures.
The colourful new slide will include twists, turns and changing light effects. Officials say translucent sections built into the structure will allow natural light to filter through.
The slide will be coloured shades of red, pink, purple, orange, and yellow.
The new waterslide is part of a broader repair and upgrade project underway at Village Square Leisure Centre. The work is intended to modernize the aging facility and help meet growing demand for recreation spaces across Calgary.
Calgarians gathered for a final ride on the Thunder Run slide at the end of August before it was permanently shut down.
“The incredible turnout for the slide’s final weekend showed just how much people care about places like this and that recreation facilities create memories that last a lifetime,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas in a statement. “Replacing the Thunder Slide means future generations will have the chance to create memories of their own.”
Thunder Run operated from 1994 until early 2026 before being removed after reaching the end of its lifespan.
The new waterslide is expected to open near the end of 2027. More information about the project is available at calgary.ca/VillageSquareRepairs.
