Calgary Municipal Land Corporation Celebrates One Year of Pixel Park
50,000 visitors, 25,000 electric vehicle charges, and one Dog Mayor of The C+E are among reasons to celebrate at October 26community event
Since its opening in October 2023, Pixel Park has welcomed more than 140 daily visitors, hosted more than 67 community events, and featured 19 programming partners in Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District (The C+E).
Over the last year, the temporary community amenity’s pickleball courts, basketball court, skate park, dog park, and electric vehicle charging site have been embraced by the surrounding community and visitors to The C+E.
“Pixel Park is truly fulfilling its design objective and we couldn’t be more thrilled. We’re seeing more than 4,000 residents and visitors access the space each month and the park’s Level III electric vehicle superchargers are currently averaging just over 2,000 uses per month – a number we’re only continuing to see grow,” says Joanna Pesta, Manager of Programming and Events at Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC).
From pre-season pop-ups with Calgary Surge, to pickleball 101 with PicklePerfect Coaching, and high fashion runways with Parachutes for Pets, Pixel Park has maintained a steady stream of programming and placemaking initiatives for visitors of all ages and interests.
Beyond its playful aesthetic and video-game inspired imagery, Pixel Park plays a key role in supporting the Rivers District Master Plan (RDMP) – an ambitious 20-year vision for the redevelopment of Stampede Park and east Victoria Park as Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District – stewarded by CMLC.
“To fulfill the Rivers District Master Plan vision, The C+E will continue to undergo a period of intense development and construction, and, in the meantime, Pixel Park provides the community with a great amenity and allows us to demonstrate the vibrancy and activation that Calgarians can come to expect here,” explains Pesta.
At full buildout, The C+E will be home to more than 8,000 residents and four million square feet of mixed-use development anchored by critical city-building initiatives like the recently expanded BMO Centre, the newly-opened 17 Avenue S.E. Extension and Victoria Park/Stampede Station Rebuild project, and the forthcoming Scotia Place.
Pixel Park’s Birthday Bash
In celebration of Pixel Park’s one year anniversary, CMLC will host a birthday bash befitting the beloved urban amenity.
On October 26, Calgarians are invited to visit Pixel Park between 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. to join in the festivities.
Boasting live music from Calgary’s DJ Kav, a beer garden hosted by Cold Garden, sweet treats prepared by Maisie Eatery, the EV’s are for Everyone electric vehicle roadshow by Plug’n Drive, and games and activities for two and four-legged friends alike, Pixel Park’s one-year anniversary celebration includes something for everyone.
The event also includes the announcement of The C+E’s first Dog Mayor.
“The competition is steep,” jokes Pesta. “We currently have 42 dogs vying for office and have received more than 2,500 votes from Calgarians casting their ballots ahead of the big day.”
In the election lead up, CMLC is encouraging members of public to learn more about the candidates and their paw-litical platforms before casting their ballot via: cedistrict.com/connect-with-us/storytelling/dog-mayor-candidates
Polls remain open until October 24, 2024.
