Parks Foundation Calgary has opened the Martin Family Legacy Garden in southeast Calgary, marking Canada's first park specifically designed to support people living with dementia. The garden opened on World Alzheimer's Day, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that brought together government officials, donors, caregivers, and community members, along with a performance from the Good Vibes Memory Choir, a group that brings together people with memory loss, their caregivers, and volunteers through music.

"The Martin Family Legacy Garden was shaped by lived experience and brought to life through extraordinary philanthropy and partnership," said Cynthia Watson, CEO of Parks Foundation Calgary. "Canada's first dementia-inclusive park demonstrates that inclusive design can do more than transform a space: it can strengthen wellbeing, connection, and quality of life across an entire community."

The garden was shaped by input from researchers, health-care professionals, and caregivers, and it shows in the details: wide, looping paths with colour-coded railings, shaded spots to rest, plants chosen to engage the senses, and signage designed to make navigating the space easier. There's also a children's play structure, a nod to the reality that many caregivers are juggling both aging parents and young kids.

Alan Rae, an advocate who helped push the project forward, said the garden fills a real gap for caregivers like himself. "Calgary has many wonderful parks, but this park is special because the design supports those impacted by dementia while creating a welcoming space for the entire community," he said. "As a caregiver, a place like this makes me feel at ease to get outside and enjoy nature with my wife Joan, without stigma or judgment."

The garden sits near Bethany Riverview, the Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society, and WINS' Dover location, and will support programming through those organizations. Ian Fleming, the City of Calgary's Director of Parks & Open Spaces, said the project reflects the city's commitment to making its green spaces accessible to all residents, regardless of age or ability.