‘It’s been a long time coming’: long-awaited access coming to Calgary park this year
Global News
Gaining access to Haskayne Legacy Park has been difficult, but an agreement to build road access to it is now on the verge of being realized.
Haskayne Legacy Park has spectacular views of grasslands, mountains and the Bow River. It’s a city park located in Calgary’s northwest city limits that protects the banks of the Bow River and the Bearspaw Reservoir.
The Haskayne family donated land worth $5 million dollars and millions more to build an information centre that is largely completed along with a pathway system.
“It’s a wonderful facility. There are teaching facilities there and a big parking lot. It’s right on the river,” said Calgary philanthropist Dick Haskayne. “It has all kinds of opportunities. It’s something that the city really needs, in my view. It’s a historic site.”
Despite its location and amenities, the park is not well known — partly because you can’t drive to it.
However, with a plan to improve public access to the area, that’s about to change this year.
The changes will be made thanks to an effort between landowner Pauli (Harvie) Smith, Dick and Lois Haskayne, the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, the City of Calgary and Rocky View County.
Dick Haskayne alongside his wife is thrilled to see the Haskayne Park vision come closer to completion.
His dream is to see the lands stretching from the west Calgary city limits join Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park and be connected by the TransCanada Trail.