Natural Playground at Ralph Klein Park - Must Visit Calgary!

Disclosure: This coverage of the natural playground at Ralph Klein Park has been sponsored by TD Bank. As always, all opinions are my own.

After additional work during the winter, the natural playground at Ralph Klein Park in SE Calgary is open and already beloved by Calgary children. So much so, it was COVERED with kids today when I tried to snag a few pictures of the fun, natural play structures.

Ralph Klein Park play area was built as part of the TD Common Ground Project started in 2017. TD made a commitment to revitalize over 150 community green spaces across the country in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday.

The first structure that caught my eye, was this circle of wooden poles. There are many sizes and shapes of sticks, stumps, poles and ropes that kids can use to make the circle into a fort, a play structure or anything they dream up.

Structures like this were the basis of the design for the Ralph Klein park’s natural playground. It was designed and constructed to enhance nature-based play to support child development and learning. It features log and timber climbing structures, hill slides, water play, sand creations and arbor hide-outs.

The mountain climber structure was a big hit when I was at the park today. On the front is a full slide and a metal bar slide. There are also climbing structures inside the mountain. The outside of the structure also has cracks, crevices and handholds so kids can climb. It is 3 dimensions of play!

The back has more handholds plus a mini rapelling/climbing rope area. Kids were in and out and around the structure playing hide and seek and king of the mountain.

Play structures made of natural materials blend in to the surrounding landscapes while giving kids open ended play opportunities. Kids were climbing, balancing and playing on and below this structure. It is situated adjacent to the zip line so many were running back and forth between the two.

While the kids play, parents can enjoy the scenic beauty of the largest man-made wetland in Canada. Large pools, native plants, ducks, wildlife and beautiful architecture blend together for an amazing visit within Calgary that feels like you could be in the wilderness.

Ralph Klein Park takes learning to the next level. Even the concrete barricades are painted with educational murals that will help you identify animals, water fowl and water bugs you might come in contact with.

Head into the interpretive center for interactive exhibits and more information. The park also hosts summer drop-in programs and birthday parties.

Have a bit more time? Take one of the many paths to take a walk around the wetlands. On our walk today we enjoyed native wildflowers, cattails, blackbirds and more.

It’s like a little piece of nature within the City of Calgary. There is something for everything and your entire family will love it….except Fido. Since this is a natural habitat park, pets are not welcome so leave them at home.

While support for The Ralph Klein Park playground project began as the part of the TD Common Ground Project, it will live on through TD’s corporate citizenship platform The Ready Commitment launched in March 2018. It is a multi-year initiative to help Canada realize a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow.

TD is targeting $1 billion in coummunity giving by 2030 for 4 areas: Financial Security, a more Vibrant Planet, Connected Communities and Better Health. These community areas work together to create a world where people are able to feel more confident in their ability to meet their personal goals.

I love to see companies such as TD work with cities to make them more accessible, interactive and educational for all. Learn more about how this project was designed in my earlier post.

MORE INFO ABOUT RALPH KLEIN PARK:

12350 84 St. S.E.

Building Hours:

October – April:
Tuesday to Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday: noon – 4 p.m.
Sunday, Monday and statutory holidays: CLOSED
May – September:
Daily, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed statutory holidays