Bridgeland Riverside Community Association

Updates for St. Patrick's Island Playground and Inglewood Pool:

INGLEWOOD POOL

Hopefully, you have noticed, and have been able to take advantage of, the additional Wednesday morning hours at the Inglewood Pool.

Starting September 14th, the City has agreed to further increase the hours by adding Monday morning hours starting at 6 AM. The group that helped to save the pool from closure in 2024 has been working with Councillor Clark and the City to make schedule changes that will help us to show the value of this important community amenity. The City has agreed to increase programs and hours for a period of 8 months to demonstrate this value. Starting in September the City will be monitoring usage. If the local and swimming communities can demonstrate the demand, the City may be amenable to extend the life of the current facility and to consider alternatives for a longer-term solution for aquatic amenities in the core communities. Initially, the City will not be able to offer a full schedule of aquatic options, but we are trying to work with the City, local schools and groups to improve the offerings. There will be additional swim lessons available, which are currently under booked. You will see more updates on the overall schedule and actions in this regards, but in the meantime, we encourage you all to get out and use the pool. Check out the pool schedule as the changes take place at: https://liveandplay.calgary.ca/REGPROG/public/category/browse/InglewoodDropIn.

This is part of the continuing community efforts that saved the Pool from closure in 2024. The community expressed their strong support for the need for community-based aquatic opportunities, and opposition to the idea that investing solely in large facilities like the MNP centre and others outside the core. Aquatic access is a critical fitness and safety requirement that needs to be available in close proximity to the community, and these opportunities in the core have eroded significantly in recent years.
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ST. PATRICK'S ISLAND PLAYGROUND

On behalf of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), we would like to share a development and construction update related to St. Patrick’s Island for community awareness. Please reach out with any questions:

As steward of the East Village Master Plan, CMLC will oversee the installation of updated playground equipment on St. Patrick's Island (SPI) with construction anticipated to begin the week of September 28, 2026.

These updates will include refreshed surface material, a new play structure and equipment to ensure SPI Playground remains a vibrant, safe, durable and inclusive amenity for the community for years to come.

What to expect during construction:

St. Patrick’s Island will remain open to visitors while work is underway on SPI Playground, and The City of Calgary’s nearby Bridgeland-Riverside Multimodal Pedestrian Bridge project.
The existing playground equipment will be removed this fall, and the site will be prepared for the installation of new equipment in spring 2027 ahead of a late spring/summer 2027 re-opening.
Visitors may see an increase in construction vehicles on the island and can anticipate additional construction noise and dust within construction areas.
The Crossroads Playground, located at 6 Avenue and 7 Street S.E. in East Village, will remain open as a nearby alternative for kids of all ages.

How to stay informed:

For SPI Playground construction updates, please subscribe to the East Village News Bulletin.
For questions regarding the Bridgeland-Riverside Multimodal Pedestrian Bridge project, contact The City at [email protected] or 3-1-1.

As a core component of the East Village Master Plan, this playground update reflects CMLC's ongoing commitment to stewardship, placemaking and community building – ensuring one of the neighbourhood's most-loved spaces can continue to welcome visitors of all ages.

We appreciate the community's patience during construction and look forward to unveiling an enhanced playground experience for visitors to East Village and St. Patrick's Island in the seasons ahead.

Thank you to everyone who attended our celebration for Helen's Garden Park on Saturday. We have two more Bridgeland Park celebrations coming up and we hope you will join us.

Thursday, September 17th at 4:30pm
Annie Gale Park
This small park is at the bottom of the 7A Street stairway and just north of McDougall Rd. Who was Annie Gale? Join us this Thursday and find out.
(*please forgive our typo in the poster, it should say 1917, not 2017)

Saturday, September 26 from 2:00pm-3:30pm
Schule Park
This park area to the rear of Delta West Academy on 2nd Ave and 11A St. Join us for speeches, cake and conversation about Bridgeland's history.

We hope to see you there!

Calling all moms and tots! The Carya Drop-in Play group is back for the fall/winter session, starting tomorrow - Wednesdays 10:30am - 11:30am.

You’re invited to join us on Saturday Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. in La Piazza to celebrate the end of Mainstreet Construction! YEA! OK, we’re not completely done; a few minor tasks remain but there will be no more road closures or detours.

Join us on Saturday Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. in La Piazza (by Starbucks)

- live music
-local giveaways, $1,000 gift card basket from our local businesses - you must stop by, say hi and enter to win
-face painting
-family friendly games
-food
and more... we look forward to seeing you Saturday!

What's happening in Bridgeland this weekend?

🌼Saturday, September 12th, 2pm-4pm
Please join us as we celebrate one of our new Bridgeland parks - Helen's Garden - named after our wonderfully kind neighbour Helen Jusic who stood on the corner to give us all 'air hugs'. Come celebrate Helen and see the beautiful park named in her honour (please dress warm for the weather).
📍Location: Adjacent to Bishops Manor, East of 11A St. at Colonel Baker Pl. NE

🍝Sunday, September 13th, 11am-7pm
We are excited to welcome back the Taste of Italy Festival. Come enjoy this amazing cultural event with Italian vendors, music, and of course great food!
📍Location: BRCA Community Hall 917 Centre Ave NE

Bridgelanders! You’re invited to come celebrate the completion of the Main Streets construction project on September 19th. Please see all the details below.

Bridgeland Seniors Games Day is starting up again.

Join us tomorrow - Wednesday Sept 9th from 1-2pm at the BRCA Hall - upstairs Lantern room.

Play cards, board games, bring your favourite game, chat with neighbours!

Just show up, no registration.
Bring your own refreshments!

https://brcacalgary.org/programs/seniors/

Join us for the last Calgary Night Market of the season. September 4th, 5pm - 10pm at the BRCA community hall. Enjoy great music, talented vendors, food trucks and more.