There’s loads to love about our city, from its vibrant restaurant scene to ample parks and nearby nature. But there’s also a lesser-known historical side, and if you love your afternoon walks, you’ve probably already stumbled across it. Calgary’s oldest park is hidden in plain sight in the heart of downtown. It has character, it has charm, and it is over 100 years old!
Calgary’s Oldest Park
Central Memorial Park goes way back, all the way to 1912 when its construction was completed as part of a civic showcase. If you’ve meandered among its intricate pathways, you won’t have a hard time believing that its design was modelled after formal Victorian gardens.
Key Features
While Calgary’s oldest park may be small at only two hectares, it’s easily recognizable. It wouldn’t be hard to spend a day walking along the geometric pathways and enjoying the lush garden beds in the summer. Central Memorial Park, often referred to as Memorial Park for brevity, is also home to Memorial Public Library. This historical structure is a National Heritage Site and a pretty great spot to find your next read.
Memorial Park is also home to several important monuments. There’s the World War I soldier statue in front of the library, the Rt. Hon. Richard Bedford Bennett memorial, and the Boer War Memorial equestrian statue which stands as a a tribute to all Albertans who fought in the Second Boer War.
There is also a cenotaph on the western edge of the park honouring the Canadian soldiers who died in the First World War. It’s on account of this history that Remembrance Day ceremonies are hosted here annually on November 11th.
Great for history buffs or just anyone who appreciates a nice walk. You’ll want to look twice the next time you’re out for a stroll on 2 Street.
Who knew we had so much history right under our noses?
Central Memorial Park, Calgary
Where: 1221 2 St. SW
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