Calgary 
The city of Calgary is expanding its alcohol in parks program to more parks following a successful pilot last year.
The City says there were over 1500 bookings last year and based on feedback, more individual picnic tables will be added to high-density neighbourhoods where residents may not have a private backyard to socialize with family and friends.
This year, responsible alcohol consumption is allowed between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. at the following locations starting May 10th:
- 80 individual designated neighbourhood picnic tables which can be booked for free in two-hour increments through the City of Calgary Live and Play account or used on first-come, first-served basis.
- Designated large picnic sites in parks (Edworthy Park: Site 1, Site 2, Site 8 and Site 9, North Glenmore Park: Blue Jay, Kingfisher, Meadowlark, Peregrine and Song Sparrow, Sandy Beach: Picnic site 5, Picnic site 6, Picnic site 7, Picnic site 8, Shouldice: Picnic site 1, Stanley Park: Picnic site 1) which can be booked for a fee or used on first-come, first-served basis in in 6-hour time slots.
In addition, alcohol will also be allowed in entire sections or portions of six parks later this Spring. The city says at open areas of parks where alcohol is allowed (designated by signage), users can “lay down a picnic blanket, go for a walk or play a game while drinking alcohol.” Booking is not required at these locations.
Calgary parks with open areas for alcohol consumption include Barb Scott Park, Buckmaster Park, Lindsay Park, Southview Off-Leash Area, West Baker Park and Tomkins Park.
Director of Calgary Parks, Kyle Ripley said in a release, “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.”
The city says parks and sites will be removed from the program if persistent issues and incidents occurs due to the alcohol in the parks program.
