Parks & Recreation
From Calgarypedia
Contents |
Health, Wellness and Fitness
Main Article: Health
Even before Calgary was exposed to the world as a centre for international sport during the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, the city had a strong athletic infrastructure, couched in a proud history of athletic competition. That base, coupled with the improvements brought by the games of the XXIV Olympiad, has left the city with myriad world-class fitness facilities, operated either by the city or private organizations.
Hiking, Biking and Walking Paths
Main Article: Hiking, Biking and Walking Paths in Calgary
Calgary is home to a large network of hiking, biking and walking paths. Inside the city, city-maintained trials allow residents to enjoy a quiet walk or bike ride through rich, natural environments. Outside the city, the beautiful Kananaskis region provides stellar hiking conditions just a half hour away. Nestled just inside the first escarpment of the Rocky Mountains, Kananaskis is a hiker’s paradise.
Calgary Boot Camps
Main Article: Calgary Boot Camps
Calgary Spas
Main Article: Spas in Calgary
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing massage, some tissue therapy or just a nice manicure, Calgary’s luxurious spas offer some of the nation’s best care, keeping Calgarians looking and feeling sanguine and vivacious.
Calgary Public Library
Main Article: Calgary Public Library
The first public library in Calgary opened its doors in 1912, largely funded by American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Today, there are 17 library branch locations in Calgary spread all throughout the city and it is the second most used library system in Canada.
Library cards enable members to attend free programs at any of CPL’s 17 locations. Programs range from computer literacy, to ESL, to personal interest and more. Notably, several programs are taught in languages other than English. Members can register for programs in person, over the phone, or by visiting the Calgary Public Library’s website.
Calgary Public Library members can borrow up to 99 items at a time, including books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, e-books, and more. Several of these items are available in a variety of formats, including large print, Braille, talking book, world languages, and so on. Calgary Public Library members can access the internet for up to two hours per day, and all library locations are equipped with wireless internet access. Importantly, a library card allows members to access both of Calgary’s daily newspapers – the Calgary Herald and the Calgary Sun – digitally, from any computer in the library, or from home, through Calgary Public Library’s e-library. This e-library also provides access to a huge variety of Canadian newspapers and magazines, research databases, encyclopedias, academic journals and more.
The Central Library houses the John Dutton theatre, which accommodates film screenings, author readings, and panel discussions during celebrations such as “Afrikadey” and International Women’s Day. Additionally, the Central Library has a variety of specialized collections: local history information, resources for tracing family genealogy, provincial statutes, Statistics Canada databases, and civic, provincial and federal government documents are only some of the many that are available.
The Calgary Public Library is often the first stop for visitors and newcomers alike, because it provides information about the City of Calgary, immigration, citizenship, and so on. Free programs provide participants with the opportunity to combat isolation and expand their networks by meeting new people. The library also has several volunteer programs, participation in which can often be a first step towards attaining employment.
For annual memberships, adults, seniors and youth pay $12, $9 and $6, respectively. For children under age 12, Calgary Public Library cards are always free.
Sports in Calgary
Main Article: Sports in Calgary
Calgary isn’t just for cowboys – the recreation possibilities are limitless. This Canadian city is home to 64 golf courses, six ski resorts, four professional sports teams, and several amateur sports teams and social clubs.
For more information on all sports in Calgary, visit www.calgarysportcouncil.ca. To participate in discussion about sport in Calgary, visit www.allsportonevoice.com.
Skiing
Main Article: Skiing in Calgary
There are several world class ski resorts within a few hours drive of Calgary. Lake Louise Mountain Resort, Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay and Nakiska are the four prominent ski areas to the west. Within the city, Canada Olympic Park, built for the 1988 Olympic Games, offers skiers and snowboards a place to hone their skills without leaving the city limits.
Golf
Main Article: Golf in Calgary
Golf is the favorite activity for many Calgarians. There are numerous golf courses in and around the city. Golf courses in Calgary fall into two categories; public, city run courses and the privately owned courses, which may be public, semi-private or private. There are six city run, public courses and in excess of 25 privately run courses in and around Calgary.
Water Sports in Calgary
Main Article: Water Sports in Calgary
Calgary is home to a number of bodies of water that make water sports inside the city possible. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing and rowing are just some of the water sports enjoyed by Calgarians throughout the summer months.
WiFi Hotspots
Main Article: WiFi Hotspots in Calgary
The City of Calgary and several businesses have made a concerted effort to provide internet access via WiFi hotspots at various locations across the city. The downtown area, Calgary area schools, shopping centres and various coffee shops around the city also offer free WiFi access for patrons.
