Playground changes coming across Calgary, met with opposition in one S.W. neighbourhood

The neighbourhood playground is a staple of childhood, but one such place in the southwest has turned into battleground between residents and the city.

An aging playground in the southwest community of Woodbine was set to be removed and replaced with asphalt and a gaga ball pit; however, it’s now on pause after residents launched a petition.

“What we’re trying to do is save this park from being asphalted and put into a big asphalt area, which could be also used as a skateboard (area), which we’re worried about,” said the petition organizer Mary-Lynne Stephan.

The park, known in the area as the Hidden Playground, is being reimagined by the City of Calgary as part of the Playground Optimization and Lifecycle Program that “focuses on maximizing community benefit by emphasizing playground quality over quantity and reimagining underused or over-served spaces.”

There are three playgrounds in the Woodbine area that were inspected and found to be near the end of their lifecycles:

• One along Woodmark Crescent S.W. will remain as is;
• One at Woodglen Close S.W. will be replaced with a new and enhanced playground structure; and
• One on Woodglen Road S.W., the Hidden Playground, will be removed due to its secluded location, limited visibility, age and equipment condition.

“I just want it to remain the same; I don’t want it to change that much,” said area resident Tim Renfrow.

Since the petition launched, the city has put the playground changes on hold.

These transformations are set to take place across Calgary.

The city manages 1,137 playgrounds across the city, with 408 more than 20 years old—beyond the typical 15- to 20-year lifecycle for playground equipment.

A statement was provided to CTV News regarding the aging children’s infrastructure:

“The city allocates approximately $1.2 million annually to replace 10 to 12 playgrounds; current funding and contractor ability and availability are not sufficient to replace all aging play structures,” the city said.

“As a result, the Playground Optimization and Lifecycle Program focuses on maximizing community benefit by emphasizing playground quality over quantity and reimagining underused or over-served spaces.”

Other neighbourhoods with playgrounds set to be reimagined include Beddington, Bowness, Dover, Huntington and Ranchlands.

The city’s aim is to have five nearby playgrounds for every 1,000 kids under 12.

The Woodbine area would still meet this quota if the Hidden Playground is removed.

New amenities that could replace playgrounds include ping-pong tables, cornhole, and gaga ball pits.

The city is planning a third round of engagement for residents who could lose access to the Hidden Playground and has stated asphalt will not be installed at the site.

Coun. Dan McLean, who represents the ward, weighed in on the reimagined project and residents’ concerns.

“I was happy to see parks agree to place a hold on the ‘reimagining’ of the Hidden Playground after we heard from many residents who want to see play equipment maintained at this location,” he said.

“Our goal was to ensure that the needed upgrade at the nearby Woodglen Close playground proceeds, while having parks further engage with residents nearby the Hidden Playground to ensure any changes here reflect the needs of the surrounding community.

“I’m pleased that administration agreed with this approach in a meeting that took place with our office last week—a win for Woodbine residents, for sure.”