Park Planning

The parks system accommodates a variety of recreational needs while integrating parks into a functioning urban environment that consists of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional land users. Each type of park provides a distinct range of program opportunities (i.e. activities). The collection of parks within a geographic area comprises the park “system”.

Parks Planning is responsible for park master planning, land acquisition for parks, recreation facilities and schools, capital projects and construction management, grant preparation, and long range strategic policy planning for the Branch. Parks Planning works in close conjunction with and the Office of Biodiversity (Natural Areas & Urban Conservation).

Parks Planning includes parkland planning, assembly and public open space.

Parks planners ensure that the land is set aside for “quality of place” parks and open spaces in the city. Once acquired, lands are developed to meet the needs of the citizens.

Cornerstone Initiatives

Ribbon of Green Concept & Master Plan

The Ribbon of Green Concept Plan considers the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System. The plan's aim is to establish publicly supported goals for the development and management of our Ribbon of Green.

Urban Parks Management Plan

The Urban Parks Management Plan (UPMP) guides the acquisition, development, maintenance, preservation and use of parkland from 2006-2016. It provides strategic direction for all river valley and ravine parkland as well as all school and park sites outside the river valley.

Current Initiatives

Buena Vista \ Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park - Master Plan

These parks are important to many residents across the city and the goal is to create a master plan that both reflects the vision of Edmontonians; for the future use of the park and one that aligns with the City's strategic plan to create a more livable and sustainable Edmonton.

Buena Vista \ Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park - Master Plan

Queen Elizabeth Park Plan

This park has been enjoyed by Edmontonians for over a century. Recently Queen Elizabeth Park has been identified for renewal. The City of Edmonton is undertaking a public consultation and design process thru 2012 to develop plans that will enhance Queen Elizabeth Park’s role as a city-wide destination park.

Queen Elizabeth Park Plan

Past Initiatives

(in alphabetical order)

Argyll Park Master Plan

The City of Edmonton is working on three integrated initiatives for Argyll Park.

Bonnie Doon Campus Park Concept Plan

The City of Edmonton is consulting with community and stakeholders to determine their recreational needs at the Bonnie Doon Campus Park site. This information will be used to develop a site plan for the district park site.

An open house was held on Monday April 26, 2010.

Borden Park Revitalization Plan

Borden Park is unique as one of the few City Level Parks in the City of Edmonton. The park has served Edmonton's families for 100 years. Community Services and Infrastructure Services are working on a Revitalization Plan that will see Borden Park's legacy continue for many years to come.

Jackie Parker Recreation Area Master Plan

During the past 20 years, neighbourhood stakeholders and community members have played a significant role in the development of the park. The Jackie Parker Recreation Area Master Plan document was created in 1992.

John Fry Sports Park Master Plan

John Fry is an important venue for major regional and national sports events. It contains ball diamonds and rugby fields.

Mill Woods Sports Park Master Plan

Mill Woods Park is a community focal point containing many amenities including: 2 high schools, Mill Woods Recreation Centre, spray park, ball diamonds, soccer and football fields, tennis courts, cricket pitch, a skateboard park and picnic sites.

Park Pavilion Design Competiton

The Park Pavilion Design Competition was meant to bring a level of interest and design excellence to these projects as another way of reinforcing the City of Edmonton’s commitment to “cutting edge” quality design, and ensuring that it is brought to all civic buildings, regardless of size or budget

South Whitemud Ravine Planning Study

The purpose of this study was to provide recommendations and an implementation strategy for future recreational development within the upper reaches of the Whitemud Ravine Nature Reserve. The study included three main components: an environmental review, conceptual planning for the ravine trail system, and planning and conceptual design for long term use of the Klondike Valley campground lands.

Terwillegar Park Concept Plan

In 2005, City Council approved a Vision for the river valley park. The approved vision is: “A Unique Natural Park within the City of Edmonton’s River Valley Park System.”

The Terwillegar Park Concept Plan was approved by City Council in January 2009.

Paving of the Terwillegar Park River Valley Access Road and improvements to the parking lot were a few of the recommendations identified in the Plan.

Whitemud Park Integrated Plan

The Whitemud Park Integrated Plan, approved by City Council in 2003, is a comprehensive plan for the area including: Fort Edmonton Park, the John Janzen Nature Centre, the Whitemud Equine Centre and Whitemud Park.

For more information:

Parks General and River Valley Park Rangers

Telephone In Edmonton: 311
Outside Edmonton:  780-442-5311
Email 311@edmonton.ca
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