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$2M donation spurs Beltline park redevelopment

The city plans to redevelop a green space in the Beltline thanks to a $2-million donation from a Calgary family.

The parcel of land at 16th Avenue between 11th and 12th streets southwest currently has a picnic area and playground on the east side, while the Calgary Lawn Bowling Club occupies the west side.

The lawn bowling facility is moving to a new location in Spruce Cliff next year.

“The relocation of the lawn bowling club, along with a generous donation from the Thomson family, prompted the opportunity to develop the space into a larger neighbourhood park space that can be used by everyone,” said city park director Anne Charlton.

Parks officials are hosting a public workshop on Saturday at the green space from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. MT to help them develop a vision for the land.

The Thompson family said the gift is their way of saying thanks to the community they have been part of for generations.

Joan and John Thompson were married at the Grace Presbyterian Church just two blocks from the park.

“We hope this renewed park space will provide the neighbourhood with a place to socialize, meet and enjoy nature. Most importantly, we want it to be a place that is well designed to meet the needs of the community,” the family said in a release.