Crossroads Multisport Zone

Parks Foundation, and our partners, are developing a new all-season Multisport Zone at the Crossroads Community Association in NE Calgary. This dynamic outdoor amenity will function similarly to a community rink but with enhanced features supporting year-round, multisport use. The facility will include durable, all-weather surfacing for basketball, ball hockey, skating, hockey, and general recreation. Planned features may include mini hockey nets, basketball hoops, multisport and half-court line painting, vibrant graphics, and lowered sideboards to enhance safety, accessibility, and visibility. The design prioritizes flexibility and inclusivity for all ages and abilities.

The communities of Mayland Heights and Vista Heights (Crossroads) are home to more than 9,000 residents, many of whom are newcomers to Canada, renters, and/or living on low income. Due to major roads and industrial areas that cut the community off from surrounding neighbourhoods, residents, particularly youth, seniors, and families without private transportation, face significant barriers in accessing recreation facilities elsewhere.

By creating a centrally located, inclusive, active space, the project will overcome geographic and socio-economic barriers to sport, physical activity, and community life. For instance, the Crossroads Community Preschool faces barriers accessing safe and engaging outdoor spaces the 3-5-year-olds can use for physical activity, skill development, and enriching play. Preschool staff also hear from parents about the cost and transport barriers they face in accessing formal recreation programs for their kids.

Similarly, staff at the Cornerstone Youth Centre see the need for recreation amenities in the community everyday. They have two basketball nets on site that are so heavily used in the afternoon and evening that the youth must take turns and have limited time to play and develop their skills. The Multisport Zone will provide youth with a hub where they can play a variety of sports, develop their skills and build relationships all year long. Staff shared that for many youths in the area the Multisport Zone will be their “first consistent opportunity to play, move, and connect in an environment designed with them in mind.” The power of this space and the power of equitable recreation opportunities cannot be understated. We anticipate this space will spark pride, ownership, and belonging for years to come.

The Multisport Zone will serve over 9,000 residents represented by the Crossroads Community Association. These communities include newcomers, renters, and low-income households who face barriers to affordable and accessible recreation.

Children and Youth (17% in Mayland Heights; 25% in Vista Heights):

Will gain safe, local access to play and physical activity. Many families in the area face financial and transportation barriers that limit participation in organized sports. A free, walkable facility allows youth to engage in both structured and spontaneous recreation, supporting physical, emotional, and social development.

Low-Income Families (17% in Vista Heights; 14% in Mayland Heights) and Renters (50% in Vista Heights; 48% in Mayland Heights):

With financial barriers eliminated, families and renters will have access to inclusive outdoor recreation.

Newcomers and Refugees (26% in Vista Heights; 38% in Mayland Heights):

Will gain a welcoming entry point into Canadian recreation culture helping to build confidence, language skills, and a sense of belonging through shared play and community connection.

Indigenous Residents (5% in Vista Heights; 4.6% in Mayland Heights) and Racialized Residents (52% in Vista Heights; 32% in Mayland Heights):

Will benefit from a space that reflects community identity and provides equitable access to safe, inclusive recreation opportunities.

Seniors (10% in Vista Heights; 15% in Mayland Heights) and Individuals Living Alone (19% in Vista Heights; 33% in Mayland Heights):

Will have access to a welcoming environment for physical activity, social interaction, and intergenerational engagement which helps reduce social isolation and well-being.

Community-Based Organizations and Program Partners:

Local schools, Scouts, Guides, and groups will gain access to a versatile, outdoor space for recreation. Partners such as the Calgary Flames Foundation plan to offer free initiatives like Learn to Skate and Learn to Play, extending benefits and sport participation across all age groups.

The Multisport Zone will benefit thousands each year by removing barriers to participation, fostering inclusion and wellness, and strengthening neighbourhood pride and connection,

*Data sourced from 2021 Calgary Community Profiles.