Sandy Beach Park improvements
Project update – March 2025
Construction for the Sandy Beach Park improvement project will resume this spring, with crews anticipated to begin work on April 1, 2025. The remaining construction is scheduled to occur in two phases.
Phase 1: April to June 2025
Work includes:
- Paving of 50th Avenue S.W.
- Sections of 50 Avenue S.W. will be closed at various stages to complete paving work.
- Realignment of the regional pathway from 14 Street to Sandy Beach Park.
Park Access:
- The park will be temporarily closed to the public during this phase (April to June 2025).
- Vehicle access to the park from 50 Ave S.W. will be limited to local residents, emergency vehicles, and waste/recycling services.
Phase Two: July to October 2025
Work includes:
- Landscaping
- Rehabilitation of landscaping along the pathway on 50 Avenue S.W.
- Pathway construction
Park access:
- The park will reopen in July and August to accommodate summer camps and public use.
- Possible closures in September and October may be required, depending on weather and construction progress.
Our aim is to balance construction activities with access and operational needs as effectively as possible. We will work closely with interest-holders to maintain appropriate access to the park throughout the year.
Please note, construction is variable, and the schedule is subject to change depending on factors such as complexity, weather, supply chain, and access. We appreciate your patience while crews are working in your area.
To stay up to date on pathway and roadway closures, please check back to our website or subscribe to our newsletter. Thank you for your cooperation.
Click image for full size map.
Park Improvements
We are improving Sandy Beach Park by adding new vehicle parking spaces, updating, and improving the regional pathway connections, and adding new drought-resistant landscaping. The list of improvements includes:
- A newly paved entrance (50 Avenue S.W.) to support accessible travel,
- New vehicle parking spaces,
- Water utility connections for future amenities,
- Enhanced, drought-resistant landscaping,
- Updated regional pathway connection north of 50 Avenue S.W.
Timeline
About the project
Sandy Beach Park is located in southwest Calgary, along the Elbow River, nestled in the community of Altadore. The park is situated below River Park, and contains numerous playgrounds, fire pits, pathways, and picnic sites. Sandy Beach Park is also surrounded by three nearby off-leash areas (River Park, Riverdale, and Britannia).
The Sandy Beach Improvement project is part of the Established Area Growth and Change Strategy. This program provides funding to support short-term (1-3 years) public space projects in established communities where growth and change are happening.The Strategy connects planning, financial and investment decisions to provide the assistance that established communities need to support the growth that is currently taking place.
This work will improve the public realm and support safe, easy, and accessible travel for residents and visitors to Sandy Beach Park.
The project promotes a vibrant outdoor green space with the existing dog park, public river access, and enhanced park and recreation upgrades.
Project benefits
This project will provide the neighbourhood, local businesses, and visitors with an improved public realm for safe, easy, and accessible travel. Also, the project will promote a vibrant and desirable outdoor green space in the park with the existing dog park, public river access, enhanced park and recreation amenities and reduce speeding in the community. This project will include the following:
- sidewalks, pathway, and bikeway improvements,
- traffic calming and pedestrian safety enhancements,
- park and recreation amenities and upgrades,
- activating public spaces
- additional parking
Your input
The project team met with the community in November 2021 and public engagement was held online from November 29 - December 15, with two virtual open house events. The project team shared the overall designs and participants provided feedback, which can be found in the What We Heard Report.
Stay connected
Sign up for email updates on this project and others happening in the community through our West Elbow Community Improvements newsletter.
Have questions or concerns about project construction?