- Parking: Street Parking (metered 9:00-5:00 Monday - Saturday)
- Washrooms: None
- Paved Paths and Sidewalks
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| An old train trapped in a modern landscape. |
After exploring both the Lougheed House and Century Park (see my previous post), I continued my walk through downtown Calgary to the last park on my list. I usually think of the core as a harsh place dominated by asphalt and car fumes, and wasn't looking forward to the nine block trek. But at a walking pace, it was easy to spot the interesting details of the downtown infrastructure, and the unpleasant noises and smells soon faded away.
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| One of many artistic touches gracing the streets of downtown Calgary. |
The sidewalks were splashed with colour from hanging baskets, store front flower beds, and planters separating the bike lane from the rest of the traffic. I found a quirky manhole cover along one of the rougher sections of the sidewalk, and there were sculptures on many street corners, from a working windmill adorned with metal birds to a copper tree growing from a cement crevice. The most impressive installation, though, was the full-sized antique train engine in front of the CP building on 9th Avenue, standing defiantly between the modern glass towers.
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| Formal gardens and statuary. |
Finally, I arrived at Central Memorial Park. Built in 1912, Calgary's oldest park was designed as a formal Victorian garden, with symmetrical crushed rock pathways and flower beds and now flanked by two large fountains. It originally served as a cultural hub, a place to promenade on Sunday afternoon, to see and be seen. Soon after its inception, however, the space took on its second role as a place to honour those lost in war. The west end of the park is defined by the large cenotaph and an eternal flame that burns in remembrance of our soldiers.
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| The eternal flame honouring our veterans. |
Central Memorial Park is both an important historical
landmark and a solemn place of remembrance, but it is also a lively and active element of the community. People strolling between the flowers, chatting on benches, playing in the fountains. It is a wonderful combination of our rich history and the vibrant life of today's citizens!
Learn more of the park's history and refurbishment at:
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