The Calgary Parks Foundation has partnered with Mattamy homes, The Rotary Clubs of Calgary, and The Rotary Club of Cochrane to build the “Rotary/Mattamy Greenway;” A 138 kilometer ring road aimed at uniting the city of Calgary. The pathway will be open year round, and will be the longest pathway system in the world. This unique project includes 13 parks that connect 55 Communities and some of the most breathtaking views the City of Calgary has to offer. More information can be found at Parks Foundation Website.
Scenic stops and parks along the pathway capture the cities beauty. From the far south, to past the airport, the pathway unites Calgary and gives Calgarians a unique feature to be proud of. Important to the enjoyment of urban life is giving access to natural areas. The Greenway is a great commitment to that in all quadrants of the city. The Greenway is about, “celebrating the natural beauty of the city, celebrating inclusiveness, celebrating the outdoors and nature … and celebrating foot and pedal power over the automobile.”
To celebrate Canada 150 and encourage Calgarains to get out and use the pathway Parks Calgary has started a summer challenge, 150 kilometers walking, biking, running, rollerblading around the pathway. Teams can be registered online at Parks Calgary website. The Greenway 150 challenge prompts Calgarians to get active, get outside, and see the beauty of their city and its surrounding areas.
The Greenway will be open year round and to all ages. Connecting 55 communities and Calgary’s existing pathway networks is no small feat. Users will find the pathway an encompassing of amenities not seen along any other pathway, says The City of Calgary, “specialty off-leash dog areas, family fitness parks, educational wetland interpretive areas, and unique play structures.” “For the entire metro-plex to have that connectivity — it goes with the whole new urbanism-and-urban-revitalization-sustainable-development movement across North America and, really, around the world,” says Mattamy Homes Calgary Division president Don Barrineau. “So many metro-plexes are trying to do things like this but this is the one, in the time I’ve been in the business, that is the most aspirational and it actually makes sense.” Mattamy is working on one of the new developments that the Greenway will link with the rest of the city.
Please take the time to explore the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway this summer, and encourage friends and family to do the same. The Greenway presents Calgarians with a great opportunity to get outside, be active, and enjoy the beauty of Calgary and its surrounding area.
Rotary/Mattamy Greenway 150