Following two years of design, construction and landscaping, the Calgary Stampede, Calgary Stampede Foundation and ENMAX are proud to officially open ENMAX Park, a year-round gathering place for the community.
"The physical transformation of the park only took two years," says Bill Gray, president and chairman of the board, Calgary Stampede. "The vision of creating a place for family picnics, community gatherings, bike rides, festivals and events has been approximately 20 years in the making."
This beautiful space came to fruition thanks to the enthusiastic community, generous donors, passionate volunteers and dedicated employees and, most importantly, the substantial contribution from ENMAX.
"At ENMAX, we are committed to powering the potential of our communities, and the transformation of this historic site into a recreation area for visitors to enjoy and celebrate year-round, is an example of our commitment in action," said Gianna Manes, President and CEO, ENMAX Corporation. "We are very proud to be a part of this important addition to Calgary's green space, and look forward to seeing Calgarians enjoy it for years to come."
The land has a history, essentially coming full circle to its original purpose – a gathering place. Hundreds of years ago the area was an essential camping and crossing place for First Nations people and later, when Fort Calgary was created, it was a trading spot for early settlers. In more recent history, the land was home to Sunshine Auto and industrial facilities.
Now, ENMAX Park is a 16-acre green space along the Elbow River. Linked to Calgary's 900-kilometre pathway system and the 23,000-kilometre Trans Canada Trail, ENMAX Park is home to the 650-metre-long Cenovus Legacy Trail that weaves through the park telling the story of the area through the lenses of First Nations People, Calgary and the Calgary Stampede.
During the annual Calgary Stampede, ENMAX Park will become home to the historic Indian Village. The new space allows the 26 tipis to be set-up in a traditional circle in a park setting, while offering guests an up close and personal view of the traditions of the Treaty 7 First Nations.
A community opening of ENMAX Park will be held this fall to showcase the Park, its beauty and capabilities. More information about the event will be become available following Stampede.
About ENMAX
ENMAX Corporation, through its subsidiaries, makes, moves and sells electricity to residential, small business and large commercial customers and is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, with offices in Edmonton. ENMAX Power Corporation owns and operates transmission and distribution infrastructure in Calgary and ENMAX Energy Corporation owns diverse electricity generation facilities throughout the province. Since 2007, ENMAX has been named one of Alberta's Top Employers. ENMAX Energy is currently the retailer of choice for both The City of Calgary and The City of Edmonton.
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We're Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
About the Calgary Stampede Foundation
Since its inception in 1994, the Calgary Stampede Foundation has worked to preserve and promote western traditions, culture and heritage through charitable giving as well as promoting and advancing character-building youth programs. Through their successful "We're Greatest Together" capital campaign, the Foundation and Calgary Stampede worked with community leaders and philanthropists to develop world class programs and facilities that ensure our western legacy is preserved for future generations.