The city of Calgary is now home to Alberta’s first accessible and outdoor community rink. After winter construction, the Parkdale Community Association (PCA) has rebuilt its outdoor rink to make the facility more inclusive to the community, including sledge hockey players. 

The Parkdale Community Rink served the neighbourhood for 30 years and was at the end of its useful life. Over the past three years, the Community Association worked with community organizations such as Level Playing Field and the Sledge Hockey Association to design a rink that sets a new standard for recreational facilities in western Canada. 

To realize this project, the Parkdale Community Association received funding from the Parks Foundation Calgary, the Calgary Flames Foundation, the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) through the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, the Government of Alberta, the City of Calgary, Calgary Foundation and Enmax. 

Comments from PCA partners:

  • Darby Young, Principal accessibility strategist with Level Playing Field – “By having Parkdale Community Association take steps to make the rink inclusive, it’s opening the doors in being a leader for the rest of the City of Calgary community associations, as they start to retrofit and make changes.”
  • Sheila Taylor, CEO Parks Foundation Calgary – “We are pleased to support and partner with the Parkdale Community Association to build a community rink that all Calgarians can enjoy.”
  • Candice Goudie, Executive director Calgary Flames Foundation – “The Calgary Flames Foundation is excited to support the Parkdale Community Association’s outdoor community rink project. We strive to support initiatives that embrace health and wellness, amateur and grassroots sports activities and promote accessibility.”
  • Amanda Affonso, President of the Parkdale Community Association – “We are excited to reach this major milestone with our partners and funders. The Parkdale community has set a new standard for recreational facilities. One that is inclusive and accessible for everyone.”
  • John Butterwick, Rink director of the Parkdale Community Association – “Outdoor hockey is for everyone – a place to gather friends and family of all ages and abilities to create lasting memories.”

About Parkdale Community Association

Established on December 29, 1953, The Parkdale Community Association (PCA) is the hub of the community, providing local programming that supports sports teams, family events, social programs and recreational facilities. The Parkdale community seeks to foster a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community.

Now approaching its 68th Anniversary, the PCA remains committed to delivering services for the benefit of the community of Parkdale, its citizens and Calgary as a whole. To learn more about Parkdale visit www.parkdalecommunity.com