Photo Essay: Playing high in the sky

By Cassie Weiss, Features Editor

“There’s a park here?” says the passenger of a vehicle in disbelief as the car starts winding its way up the levels of a parkade located across from Craft Beer Market, at 340 10 Ave SW. 

To the surprise and joy of those who make it to the top of the Centre City Parkade, a park sits high among the buildings of downtown Calgary. Filled with cute sayings, bright coloured flooring and picnic tables and some bright shining lights, High Park was opened as a pilot project in 2020. 

The park sits quietly on a Saturday morning, fresh snow covering the rooftop space. Although no music was playing at the time,  High Park was created with live music, performance, and outdoor programming in mind. The parkade itself is also covered in brightly painted murals. 

It’s a unique place to escape too, among the rushing traffic and busy lives of those living in central downtown.  Those who collaborate on the project are always looking for new ways to expand and express the individuality of the outdoor space. 

The park is open 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily. For more information or to take a survey to help inform about the next phase of the project, visit beltlineyyc.ca/highparkyyc.