How we live: the city abounds with people magnets

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In our short, gloomy summers, I long to be outside. And when the weather gods smile on us, I can’t get enough of walking, biking, people-watching, and alfresco dining in our beautiful city.

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This is especially true after nearly two and a half years of pandemic restrictions, a time when we were all flocking to parks, trails, and people places to escape our four walls and take a deep breath. Public spaces have become more vital than ever to our health and well-being.

It has led me to think about what makes a public space successful. For me, they are places that are free and open to everyone, and that get you out of the car. They provide a focal point for people-watching and not just during special events, which often require an admission fee.

They are usually located near water, vegetation and trees, sometimes in the center of the city. We are attracted to them because there are other people there. Things are happening and there is a positive vibe, an energy that we want to be a part of. To deepen the pleasure of being out and about with others, there is usually a place nearby to sit, watch the fun, and grab a bite, drink, or coffee.

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In these gathering places, we can nod at other people, smile at their children and dogs, and chat about the weather. The briefest of social interactions makes us feel like we belong. To a great extent, they serve to build community and strengthen the bonds of society.

In cities around the world, public spaces are places where people go to see and be seen. If Barcelona has La Rambla and countless smaller local hangouts, Calgary also has its people magnets, both big and small. Without further ado, here are six of my favorites:

A group of friends and classmates from Notre Dame High School celebrate their graduation at Peace Bridge on May 29, 2022. Azin Ghaffari/Postmedia
A group of friends and classmates from Notre Dame High School celebrate their graduation at Peace Bridge on May 29, 2022. Azin Ghaffari/Postmedia Photo by Azin Ghaffari /Azin Ghaffari/Post Media

The Bridge of Peace: This is where Calgarians and tourists alike come for graduation photos, wedding portraits and selfies, and to take beautiful photos of the striking bridge. It’s hard to believe that the infamous red “Finger Trap Bridge” prompted howls of outrage when Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava revealed its design. Since its opening in 2012, the bridge has become one of the main attractions in the city. (Note: The Peace Bridge is a gateway to other popular public spaces: Eau Claire Plaza, Bow River Pathway, and RiverWalk, but these are currently under construction with The Downtown Flood Barrier project and the Eau Area Improvement Program.) Claire).

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People are seen enjoying a hot day along the Bow River in Harvie Passage.  postmedia files
People are seen enjoying a hot day along the Bow River in Harvie Passage. postmedia files Brendan Miller/Post Media

Harvie Passage: This man-made river park in the Bow, adjacent to Pearce Estate Park and the bike path, is the place to walk, bike or paddle on warm days. There are large rocks to perch on, shady paths to stroll, and beach areas for sunbathers and cold-water enthusiasts. Here, kayakers, SUPers and other boaters ply the waters, either on the challenging Class 3 “river to the left” passage or the gentler Class 2 “river to the right” passage, a great entertainment for paddlers alike. as for the spectators.

Calgarians enjoy cooling off in the lagoon on St. Patrick's Island.  Gavin Young/Post Media
Calgarians enjoy cooling off in the lagoon on St. Patrick’s Island. Gavin Young/Post Media Gavin Young/Post Media

Patrick’s Island: One of Calgary’s oldest public spaces, dating back to the 1890s, this treasure of an island park near the Calgary Zoo was remodeled and reopened in 2015. Its clever “biophilic” landscape design connects people and nature . Have a picnic, walk through forests and wetlands, climb the big hill to survey the kingdom (sled down in winter) and watch for ospreys to nest in this tranquil spot. It is wonderful to see little fry wading on the small beach next to a restored river channel.

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Calgary artist Larisa Nikonova paints the poppies in Riley Park.  Gavin Young/Post Media
Calgary artist Larisa Nikonova paints the poppies in Riley Park. Gavin Young/Post Media Gavin Young/Post Media

Riley Park: With its children’s pool, expansive lawns, formal gardens, playground and walking path, this venerable Northwest park is irresistible. Spend a summer night here having a picnic, watching a cricket match, or watching aspiring circus performers practice their juggling, tightrope walking, and hula-hooping skills. (Note: An ongoing construction project to protect the Sunnyside community from stormwater flooding has affected the Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Garden on the north slope of the park.)

Storm clouds move over walkers in Edworthy Park.  Gavin Young/Post Media
Storm clouds move over walkers in Edworthy Park. Gavin Young/Post Media Gavin Young/Post Media

Edworthy Park and Angel’s Cafe: Once the site of an orchard and sandstone quarry, the city purchased the land in 1962 and turned it into a park. It’s popular for large family picnics and as a destination for bikers, people who let their dogs swim in the Bow River, and hikers along the nearby Douglas Fir Trail. Angel’s Café, located across the river across the Harry Boothman Bridge, is also a destination. It’s relaxing to sit on the patio of the café with a cappuccino or lunch, looking out over the river and the constant stream of passers-by. Live music sweetens the experience.

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Ice Cream Village and Stairs: This is an unlikely place for a hangout, but ice cream parlors have always been enticing. One of the best, Village Ice Cream, was founded here in 2012 and its parking lot and benches have become a great gathering place. Or, opt to sit on the stairs at the end of the 10th Avenue SE cul-de-sac overlooking the 4th Street SE underpass, a satisfying if gritty spot to eat a frozen treat while people watching.

Honorable mentions: Any outdoor pool or public library; the city’s growing selection of bike pump tracks for the very young; Annie’s Café in Fish Creek Provincial Park; Tomkins Park at 17th Avenue SW; Central Memorial Park; the small square in front of the renovated Plaza Theater; Sandy Beach Park; Murdoch Park, the green space in Bridgeland Riverside, which has a tempting mix of pizza, coffee and ice cream on 7th Street NE; Glenmore Reservoir, which is a people magnet, but desperately in need of a good waterside cafe with a patio.

What is your favorite summer public space? Any hidden treasure to share?

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