Calgary kids will see their 'Flyover Park' become reality with $2M boost

Kids in northeast Calgary will soon have a new place to play.

The Bridgeland Riverside Community Association has secured $2 million to put towardbuilding a park in an unusual spot.

The space under an overpass, known as the Fourth Avenue Flyover, between Memorial Drive and McDougall Road N.E., was once a patch of dirt and concrete.

But kids at the nearby Langevin Schooldesigned a welcoming space and won a national award for their pitch.

"That is tremendous because the ideas that they've brought forward are so people-friendly and people-centred," Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci said after Friday's announcement.

"These kids have designed utility for fun, for engagement and for building bonds in the community. I'm so proud of them."

The province and the City of Calgary are spending $1 million each on the space, which will be known as Flyover Park. It'll be the first of its kind in the city, according to Parks Foundation Calgary.

The community association hopes to start construction next spring if it can raise a further $400,000.

"Obviously we're thrilled because we've been working hard at this for the last few years," association planning director Ali McMillan said.

Some of the ideas are already in place, including outdoor ping-pong tables and some seating, all of which have dramatically boosted use of the space.

When complete, it's expected to includefamily-friendly play areas, food truck stalls, swings, tiered seating for events, an outdoor classroom,boardwalk andnatural landscapes.

The flyover will provide shelter when it rains and shade from the hot sun, McMillan said. The group hopes eventually to afford to paint the concrete.

McMillan hopes the concept of using "forgotten spaces" will spread throughout the city, helping others create welcoming parks.

"They don't just have to be a dirt patch under an overpass," McMillan said. "There's so much more they can be."

The kids designed the park in Grade 6, she said. By the time it's scheduled to be completed, they'll be finishing up Grade 9.