Over a decade in the making, Radio Park throws a family-friendly celebration in southwest Calgary

Calgarians living in the southwest can enjoy a new park that features a waterfall, playground and dog park

Calgary got a new park Saturday, and a few thousand folks showed up to celebrate on opening day.

Radio Park, the city’s newest landmark public space, opened Saturday in West District, at 775 78 Street S.W.

The park represented a labour of love for Truman president George Trutina, who was on hand Saturday to welcome the community.

“This was the vision from day one, when I bought the land, and to have this -- another small town and a big park and place where people come and enjoy -- for a long time to come,” he said.

“I’m excited that this project is now finished, totally done, and I hope people will enjoy every minute of it,” added Trutina.

The $20 million park, funded by Truman, features Calgary’s tallest slide, a mist plaza, a picnic area in an orchard, an outdoor rink, dog park, basketball court, art installations and other amenities.

Among the art installations is a statue of Trutina, called The Georgie.

“The reason why I have my statue there is to make sure I’m keeping an eye on my park even when I’m dead,” Trutina said.

He joked that the mayor suggested that instead of calling his new community West District, where Truman is building 3,200 homes, he call it “Georgetown.”

Trutina said for the time being, the name will remain West District.

“It’s okay,” he said. “I can always change that.”

While the park figures to be most convenient for residents moving to the West District, Trutina said everyone is welcome to use it.

“I built it for all Calgary,” he said, “and at the same time, this will be the place for people to come and have weddings, taking pictures, family portraits, school kids, or anybody else -- family that comes (from) overseas.

“They (can) come see what we have (in Calgary).”

For more information about Radio Park, go here.

For more about The West District, go here.