Following a successful pilot in 2021, The City of Calgary is expanding its alcohol in parks program. Public intoxication remains prohibited and users are reminded not to drive after consuming alcohol.
During last year’s pilot, there were over 1,500 bookings. Based on feedback from participant surveys, more individual picnic tables have been added to high-density neighborhoods where citizens may not have a private backyard to socialize with family and friends.
Starting May 10, responsible alcohol consumption is allowed between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. at the following locations:
Neighbourhood picnic tables: Over 80 individual tables located in communities across the city can be booked for free or used on first-come, first-served basis. Alcohol consumption is only permitted at the table and not throughout the whole park.
Large picnic sites: Select sites that are located within regional parks and include multiple picnic tables can be booked in advance for a fee or used on a first-come, first-served basis. Alcohol consumption is only permitted within that picnic site and not throughout the whole park.
Open areas: Coming later this spring there will be six entire parks, or portions of parks, where you can lay down a picnic blanket, go for a walk or play a game while drinking alcohol. No booking will be required. Alcohol consumption will be allowed within the area designated by onsite signage.
Not all neighbourhood picnic tables, large picnic sites or City parks have been designated for alcohol consumption. Find out where you can drink responsibly at calgary.ca/alcoholinparks. All alcohol designated sites are distanced from playgrounds. Most sites do not have washrooms nearby so please plan ahead.
“Calgarians told us they appreciated being able to have a beer or glass of wine in our beautiful park spaces last year; especially those who do not have their own private backyard. We hope this year’s expanded program will encourage more people to connect with family and friends in a natural setting,” says Kyle Ripley, Director of Calgary Parks.
If an issue arises, citizens can call 311. Incidents will be addressed with education or enforcement. If issues persist, sites could be removed from the program.
To book a site or for more information, visit Calgary.ca/alcoholinparks.
