The $50 million Rotary-Mattamy Greenway, a 138 km Ring Pathway System, a One-of-a-kind Model of Investment in Walking Infrastructure ( breakout presentation )

Abstract

Parks Foundation Calgary (PFC), a not-for-profit organization established in 1985, has raised over $200 million for large and small scale park and amateur sport projects. PFC’s largest capital project to date, the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway is a 138km urban pathway system that encircles Calgary. This pathway is scheduled for completion by September, 2017. The Greenway is home to a variety of urban parks and specialty amenities, connecting over 50 Calgary communities and 400,000 residents of all, ages, cultural backgrounds and physical abilities. This one-of-a-kind pathway allows all Calgarians to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of year-round walking. As PFC approaches the completion of the Greenway project, we are launching a major promotional strategy to increase both awareness and pathway usage. Our goal is to engage more residents and make Calgary an even more walkable city. This summer, Calgarians will be encouraged to walk or bike 150 kilometres to commemorate both Canada’s 150th birthday and the completion of the pathway. In September, 2017 PFC will host our grand opening event to launch the Greenway. This event will encourage usage and awareness, while fostering city-wide community spirit. After 7 years of development, PFC is transitioning from a construction focus to getting people walking, and using this extensive pathway system. Our goal is to raise awareness around the inclusiveness of the Greenway that encourages use by all. Our presentation will focus on our organization’s investment in walking, the lessons learned during our transition, and our promotional success of the Greenway. We will be collecting pathway usage data and measuring the success of our promotional strategy by tracking earned and social media, participation at events and our Greenway 150km Challenge. With a project of this scale, and a wide number of users, it is vital that the inclusive nature of the Greenway is understood to allow all citizens to share and participate in Calgary’s emerging walkability.