Phase Three: Progress Update
Accessible play equipment was installed at Airport Playground in May–limited access is available from Dieppe Drive SW. Ongoing construction continues around Airport Playground and the southern section of Alexandria Park.
Affected areas include park entrances, the sidewalk along Dieppe Drive SW and the south entrance to Trasimene Heritage Walk.
Access to the park is not available from the south side. Visitors and residents will be informed as soon as all entrances to the park are accessible.
Safety Reminder
Street parking is not permitted along Dieppe Drive SW in front of Airport Playground. This is to ensure crosswalks are visible for visitors and residents and construction areas are safe for workers. Alternative free parking is located along Bishop Way SW and further east along Dieppe Drive SW.
Construction fencing is may shift during Phase Three to ensure safe working conditions.
In Progress
- Construction of pathway along Trasimene Heritage Walk and Airport Playground
- Installation of lighting and irrigation systems
- Landscaping of rock wall seating area
- Ongoing maintenance of northern area of Alexandria Park, Currie Bark Park and the Amphitheatre
Upcoming
- Installation of the permanent and accessible entrance to Airport Playground
- Planting of additional trees, shrubs and perennials
- Site preparation for future splash park/skating rink
Completed
- Opening of accessible playground equipment area
- Removal of construction fencing along northern areas of Alexandria Park
- Opening of Woodlands and Great Lawn areas
- Removal of invasive plant species
- Construction of pathway along Trasimene Heritage Walk
Alexandria Park
Alexandria Park is in the heart of Currie. These 14 acres of green space create the community’s key gathering place, home to the popular Airport Playground, Currie Bark Park and the Amphitheatre. This green space is being beautified for long-term resident enjoyment.
Phase One
Completed in 2020
- Currie Bark Park
- The Amphitheatre
- Partial completion of the Trasimene Heritage Walk pathway
- “Letters Home” commemorative storyboards and Canadian flag
- Interpretive historical signage
- Storm water facilities
- Replacement of end-of-life trees for a portion of Trasimene Heritage Walk
Phase Two
Completed in 2021
- Additional accessible pathways in the northern portions of Alexandria Park
- New site furniture (benches, garbage receptacles)
- Selective removal of trees (end-of-life, diseased, invasive species, or in conflict with the City of Calgary guidelines)
- Planting of approximately 320 trees and over 1,300 shrubs
- Reshaping of green spaces, installation of irrigation systems and new sod
- Beginning work on utilities for the future
Phase Three
In Progress – Estimated Completion: Fall 2022
- Installation of accessible playground equipment
- Completion of the Trasimene Heritage Walk pathway
- Planting of new trees and shrubs
The completion of Alexandria Park Phase Three may be impacted by weather, contractor availability, municipal and provincial guidelines. Canada Lands Company will continue to keep the residents and visitors of Currie updated on the Beautification of Alexandria Park. Construction of splash park/skating rink and washroom building pending approvals.
Phase Four
Upcoming – Estimated Completion: TBA
- Installation of Splash Park and Skating Rink
The completion of the Splash Park and Skating Rink is dependent on annual budgets and the availability of materials and supplies needed for the water treatment systems. Stay tuned for updates on these exciting amenities.
Alexandria Park Rendering
Frequently Asked Questions
Why wasn’t this park and all the phases completed at the same time?
The beautification of Alexandria Park is a significant construction project in scale and expense. The beautification of Alexandria Park is divided into several smaller sections to ensure these sections can be completed within typical construction periods and allow some areas to remain accessible while others are closed.
How long will the area be closed?
The currently fenced off area will be closed off in stages for the next two years to ensure new trees, shrubs and sod are established and temporary irrigation systems are removed. As areas are finished within this time frame, fencing will be removed, and areas will be reopened for public use.
During this construction period, the Airport Playground will remain open, as well the completed areas of Phase One. These include the Currie Bark Park, the Amphitheatre and the Trasimene Heritage Walk pathway.
Also open to the public are the Officers’ Mess Garden, Bishop Carroll Walk, Valour Park, Victoria Cross Park and The Parade Square.
What impact does this construction have for residents, park users and traffic?
Various entry points will be impacted by the construction. Please use alternative entry points and sign up for our email newsletter on CurrieLife.ca to receive periodic updates and changes.
When is the Splash Park being built?
The construction of the splash park and skating rink is intended to start in the near term (1–3 years); however, it is determined by annual budget approvals. The initial utilities will be roughed in this year as part of Phase Two. This step will enable construction to commence with minimal impact to the upcoming Great Lawn. The construction timing for the remaining splash park and skating infrastructure will be revisited in 2022 and 2023.
Why are trees being cut down?
Most of the tree removals fall into the following categories:
- End-of-life (the tree is dead or dying)
- Diseased (Sick and likely to spread disease to other healthy trees)
- Invasive species (e.g. Caragana is an invasive species introduced to Alberta from Russia and Asia that spread quickly and can suffocate native species)
The removal of trees, which will be beneficial to the Park, is part of the City of Calgary’s guidelines for public park construction. Approximately 320 new trees and over 1,300 new shrubs will be installed as part of the new park landscaping.
Several other seemingly healthy, native trees are being removed to ensure that the healthiest and most viable native tree specimens have space to survive and grow for many years into the future. This type of selective removal is similar to pruning a garden.
Finally, a smaller number of trees and plants are also being removed to ensure accessible pathways can be installed for all people to enjoy the Park.
