About ParksFest

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ParksFest invites Calgarians from every quadrant of the city to dream big, share ideas and re-imagine the future of community parks.

ParksFest is a free, public outdoor event, taking place in Haultain Park on Saturday September 21 from 1 – 4 p.m. This event will feature giant inflatable games, carnival games and stage performances. ParksFest also marks the official 10th anniversary celebration of Parks Foundation Calgary’s Building Communities program. To celebrate we will be awarding $50,000 through our special funding round - the Energize Awards.

Building Communities was created in 2009 with a vision of providing safe, interactive and fun spaces for Calgarians to play and build connections. Since its inception, Building Communities has provided more than $23 million dollars towards 160 local community projects. This year, to celebrate their 10th anniversary, nine local community projects were selected to compete for an additional $50,000 in award money ($25,000 for first place, $15,000 for second place, $10,000 for third place). These are called the Energize Awards. Calgarians will get a chance to place their vote at ParksFest for the Building Communities projects they think are most deserving of an Energize Award.

Click HERE to watch a video story of each project. All voting will take place on September 21 at ParksFest, with the successful award winners being named that day.

Will there be food and water on site?
ParksFest volunteers will be onsite serving carnival snacks of popcorn and cotton candy! We will also have a water re-fill station to fill your own bottles!

Is there parking available for ParksFest attendees?
There is no designated parking for event attendees, and limited street parking around Haultain Park. We encourage all ParksFest attendees to carpool, or use transit.

What is the easiest way to get to Haultain Park?
We encourage ParksFest attendees to use transit. The closest downtown C-train stations are 1st Street SW or 3rd Street SW, depending which direction you are travelling. If you are travelling from the south Victoria Park Stampede station is the closest station. All three of these C-train stations are within a 10 minute walk from Haultain park. There are also a number of bus stops along 4street SW and Macleod Trail that are close to Haultain Park.
We are one block east of Central Memorial Park.

Does ParksFest happen every year?
This year marks the first-ever ParksFest! It’s our hope that we can make it an annual tradition for Calgarians.

Where can I learn more about the community-led projects participating in ParksFest?
You can watch their individual videos under: https://www.parksfdn.com/energizeawards.
Each of the projects will have a table at ParksFest where you’ll be able to learn more about the project.

Who is funding the Energize Awards?
The Energize Awards have been generously supported by Pembina Pipeline Corporation.

What are the Energize Award denominations?
The Energize Awards will provide $25,000 for first place, $15,000 for second place and $10,000 for third place.

Do I have to cast my vote in person?
Yes, all voting will take place at ParksFest on Saturday, September 21 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Who can vote?
Almost everyone! From Kindergarten kids all the way to adults.

Can anyone attend ParksFest?
Yes! Everyone is welcome to this free, family-friendly outdoor event.

What is Building Communities?
Building Communities is a Parks Foundation Calgary program that provides grants and on-going project support for community-led projects such as playgrounds, parks and comunity hubs within our city. Visit www.parksfdn.com/building-communities for more details.

I’m working on a community project, do you have resources available to support my project?
Please click here to access our Community Projects 101 tool kit.