Parks Foundation Calgary is marking its 40th anniversary, celebrating decades of developing parks, green spaces, and recreational areas designed to enrich communities throughout the city. Established in 1985, the Foundation has focused on building inclusive and sustainable spaces that promote health and connection for Calgarians of all ages and backgrounds.

Sheila Taylor, who has served as CEO for the past eight years and will be stepping down this August, played a key role in advancing the organization's mission during her tenure. Under her leadership, Parks Foundation spearheaded several notable projects, including Canada's first dementia-inclusive park — the Martin Family Legacy Garden — which is set to open in 2026. The Foundation also completed the award-winning Flyover Park in Bridgeland, transforming a neglected underpass into a vibrant community space, and contributed to the development of the expansive Rotary Mattamy Greenway pathway encircling the city.

In addition to these projects, Parks Foundation continues to support community-led initiatives through grant programs and its popular bench and picnic table dedication program. The Foundation attributes much of its success to partnerships with local communities and the City of Calgary, ensuring parks remain welcoming, accessible, and meaningful places for all residents.