This new Calgary park will become a first-of-its-kind ‘healing sanctuary’

Martin Family Legacy Garden is bringing a new kind of outdoor space to Calgary this fall. Located in southeast Calgary, the upcoming park is set to challenge the idea of what a traditional park can be with a design unlike any other currently found in the city.

The space will include sensory gardens, colourful pathways, a children’s playground, and design features that make the park easy to navigate. Each detail was carefully designed to create a space that can be enjoyed by visitors of different ages and abilities.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes the Martin Family Legacy Garden so special and when Calgarians can visit.

What to expect at Calgary’s newest park

According to Parks Foundation, the Martin Family Legacy Garden will become Canada’s first dementia-inclusive park. The overall goal is to create an outdoor space where people living with dementia, caregivers, and visitors can spend time together in a comfortable environment.

The park’s design was created with input from researchers, health-care professionals, community advocates, and families who have firsthand experience with dementia. That helped shape the thoughtful features you will see throughout the space, with each part designed to create a more comfortable and welcoming experience for visitors.

One of the key features of the park will be the sensory gardens, which will incorporate plants, colours, and textures throughout the space. The park will also feature wide pathways, plenty of signage, and colour-coded routes to help guide people through the park.

Safety was also an important factor in the park’s design. According to Parks Foundation, the park will include flat terrain, natural barriers, and additional seating and shaded areas to help visitors explore the space more comfortably.

Along with its inclusive design features, Martin Family Legacy Garden was created to bring people of all ages together. The park will also include a children’s playground, making it a place where families can spend time outdoors together while different generations enjoy the space in their own way.

When will the Martin Family Legacy Garden open?

Construction at the Martin Family Legacy Garden is currently underway, with the park expected to be completed in Fall 2026. According to Parks Foundation, the project broke ground on May 29, 2025, with more than 70 donors, partners, and supporters attending the event.

The new park is being built at Southview Park in Dover, a southeast Calgary neighbourhood. The location was chosen because of its proximity to nearby seniors’ residences and transit services. It will also sit right next to the Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society and Bethany Riverview, creating many opportunities for future programming.

As Calgary continues to grow, the Martin Family Legacy Garden shows how public spaces can be thoughtfully designed to better reflect the needs of the people who use them.

Martin Family Legacy Garden

When: Opening Fall 2026
Where: Southview Park – 3425 26th Ave. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free to visit

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