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40 acres of greenspace.
12 kms of pathways.
all connected

Here, the pathways lead to everything from playgrounds to ponds to fitness classes to restaurants and a seasonal outdoor rink. With convenient access to transit and a walk able community, University District makes it easy to enjoy both nature and neighbourhood with award-winning parks right in your backyard.

Retail Main Street

Park map

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  • Parks
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  • Existing Max Station
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  • Regional Pathway
  • Dedicated Bike Lane
  • Existing Bus Stop
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  • Future Max Station
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  • Multi-use Pathway
  • Shared Bike Lane
  • Parking – Street
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  • Parking – Surface
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  • Parking – Underground
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award-winning parks

Good for your heart and great for the environment. With greenspaces designed for gathering, relaxing, and staying active, everything is within walking distance and connected by public transit. Life at University District means more time outside and less time behind the wheel.

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central commons park

Steps from Retail Main StreetDog-friendly (on leash)Bike and pedestrian access

central commons park

Steps from Retail Main Street
Dog-friendly (on-leash)
Bike and pedestrian access

Central Commons Park is mindfully designed and offers 3-acres of greenspace in the heart of the community. Open year-round and located alongside Retail Main Street it is easily accessible from the underground heated parkade.

Central Commons Park

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  • Art Installation
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  • BBQ’s
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  • Bike Racks
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  • Fire Features
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  • Parkade – Pedestrian Access
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  • Parkade – Vehicle Access
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  • Parking – Street
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  • Parking – Surface
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  • Parking – Underground
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  • Pavillions
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  • Picnic Tables
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  • Seasonal Ice Rink
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  • Splash Pad
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  • Washrooms
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Central Commons Park Hours of Operation

area/amenity

 

hours

 

season

 

Park Grounds8 am – 10 pmYear-Round
Public Washrooms
(East end of park)		11 am – 10 pmYear-Round
Ice Rink8 am – 10 pmDecember to ~late March
Splash Pad10 am – 10 pmJune to early September
Park Grounds

8 am – 10 pm
Open Year-Round

PUBLIC WASHROOMS

(East end of park)
11 am – 10 pm
Open Year-Round

ICE RINK

8 am – 10 pm
Open December to ~late March

SPLASH PAD

8 am – 10 pm
Open June to early September

Please Note

  • Hours are subject to change and may vary depending on seasonal conditions. Check Neighbourhood Updates for more information.
  • Supervision is not provided. University District does not accept responsibility for any loss or injuries from use of this facility.
  • Alcohol is not permitted in Central Commons Park.
  • Skateboards, bikes, and scooters are welcome in designated areas.
  • Park amenities may close at any time without notice due to weather, maintenance, or other safety reasons.

What You’ll Find at Central Commons Park (Besides Your Neighbours)

rules & etiquette

Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM during the summer season (typically June through early September, weather permitting), the splash pad is a community favourite. It’s open to all ages, but children under 13 should be supervised.

The feature uses recirculated, treated water and is meant for cooling off—not drinking or bathing. Safety signage is posted on-site—please review the full rules in the FAQ section before use.

No food, beverages, street shoes, or animals (except service animals) are permitted in the splash pad area. Running or rough play is also not allowed.

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splash pad

Central Commons Park features three briquette-fuelled BBQs available on a first-come, first-served basis. These heavy-duty, cast iron grills are designed with lids for safe charcoal use.

Guests must bring:

  • Charcoal briquettes
  • BBQ tools
  • Oven mitts

Prohibited materials: wood and gasoline. You may use charcoal lighting fluid—just let it settle before lighting. Never leave the BBQ or hot briquettes unattended. Please clean the BBQs after use and dispose of briquettes in the ash bins provided.
New to charcoal BBQs? View the full step-by-step instructions and safety tips in our FAQ.

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bbqs

Multiple picnic tables, benches, and shaded pavilions are located throughout the park, offering plenty of spots to gather, relax, or enjoy a meal. Seating is public and first-come, first-served.

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picnic tables & pavilions

Bike racks are available throughout the park for your convenience. For those arriving by car, Central Commons Park is easily accessed via University District’s underground heated parkade. Pedestrian access points make it simple to head straight into the park.

View the parking map here

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bike racks & parking

Built-in fire features are available year-round and add a warm touch to your park visit. You’ll find them near the ice rink and throughout the space.

To activate:

  • Release the emergency stop button
  • Rotate the timer on the on-site control panel

Note: Fire features are for warmth and ambiance only. Cooking or roasting over the flames is not permitted.

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fire features

The rink at Central Commons Park is Calgary’s only refrigerated outdoor skating surface, maintaining consistent ice conditions from December to late March (weather permitting). Located between Borough Bar & Grill and The Banquet, it’s surrounded by fire features, seating areas, and seasonal lights.

Helmets are mandatory. Hockey sticks, pucks, nets, sleds, and toboggans are not permitted on the ice. Please do not carry children while skating, and enjoy food and drink away from the rink. Animals are not allowed on the ice surface. The rink is cleared multiple times daily for about 10 minutes, access is restricted during these times for your safety.

Details about onsite skate rentals can be found on the Skate Hut website.

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seasonal outdoor rink

What’s Happening at University District?

Join us for our next event at a park or on Retail Main Street!

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FAQs

How do I use the BBQ?

Step 1: Open the BBQ with oven mitt, grasp handle on right-hand side to lift lid into locking position.
Step 2: Inspect the BBQ for dirt and debris and clean out any coals left from previous user. Dispose of cooled briquettes into the dedicated ash bins located at each site using the provided scoop.
Step 3: Arrange briquettes into a pyramid shape inside BBQ.
Step 4: Use charcoal lighting fluid to coat the top of the briquettes.
Step 5: Light the briquettes.
Step 6: The briquettes are ready when they turn an ashy grey colour.
Step 7: Use oven mitt to grasp the handle and disengage the locking mechanism to lower the lid.

Is Central Commons Park available for private bookings?

At this time, for private events, Central Commons Park and its amenities are not available for booking.

Is Central Commons Park available for public special event bookings?

University District businesses can reach out to us with their ideas at info@ucpg.ca to enquire.

Is Central Commons Park a city owned park space?

Central Commons Park is owned, operated and managed by University District Trust. However, it is available for the public to enjoy.

What are the Splash Pad safety rules?

  • Safety signage is posted on-site for the splash pad, please review before use.
  • DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. This fountain uses recirculated treated water.
  • This area is unsupervised. No lifeguard on duty. Use at your own risk.
  • No glass or breakable objects are allowed in the splash pad area or in other bare feet areas.
  • No street shoes may be worn in the splash pad.
  • University District is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
  • It is recommended that children under 13 years of age be supervised.
  • Running, roughness, horseplay, or other undue disturbances are strictly prohibited.
  • No food or beverages of any kind are allowed in the splash pad area.
  • Children who are not toilet trained, or anyone who is or may be incontinent, must wear water resistant swimwear.
  • The splash pad is for recreation purposes only. Bathing is not permitted.
  • No skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, or scooters are allowed in the splash pad area.
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