CELEBRATE CITY PATH

While the ring road has been the subject of debate for decades, the topic of a pathway that circles the city is a much more recent addition to Calgary conversations.

In fact, in less than a decade, the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway has moved from mere concept to near-completion, giving the city another point of pride that is attracting both locals and visitors.

The concept of the Greenway seemed simple enough: Connect a series of paths already in existence and construct links to create a pathway that encircles the entire city.

Execution, however, required persistence and perseverance. Land needed to be acquired. Co-operation within a large group of stakeholders was required. And, Parks Foundation Calgary needed $50 million to turn its Greenway plan into reality.

Not only would the 138-kilometre Greenway connect 55 communities where 400,000 Calgarians make their homes; it would also connect a myriad of volunteers, community activists, philanthropists, foundations, three levels of government and a host of local businesses, who all worked together to complete the project.

When 13 Rotary clubs and Mattamy Homes came on board in 2013 — each with a $5-million donation — the Greenway received a vital push required to get the project to the finishing line.

Now, civic planners heap praise on the Greenway, which has become the largest connected urban pathway system in the world.

In addition to the paths themselves, there are dozens of adjacent points of interest and green areas along the way, including an outdoor fitness park, nature parks, dog parks, play parks and wetland areas.

While the Greenway was designed to improve the quality of life for people, environmentalists also praise the system for revitalizing natural areas of the city.

Since the Greenway is quickly developing its reputation as a success story both locally and nationally, it’s only fitting that Parks Foundation Calgary wanted to ensure the project gave a nod to Canada’s 150th birthday.

To that end, the foundation challenged Calgarians to sign up and commit to travelling across 150 kilometres of the Greenway this summer. Hundreds of people, and several canines, too, answered that call and will receive completion medals Saturday.

Everyone is invited to the celebrations; a fitting invitation, since the project was created for all of us. And, in a world of virtual connections, it’s worthwhile celebrating those things that still connect Calgarians at ground level.