Green spaces in Calgary: How much does property value increase when a community recreational park is built?

When a new community park comes to life, it brings more than just trees, trails, and tennis courts—it transforms a neighbourhood. Across Canada, community recreational parks have been shown to enhance not only the quality of life but also the value of nearby homes. In this article, we’ll explore how, why, and by how much a recreational park like Symons Valley Park can increase property values.

A Strong Benefit: Parks Raise Property Values

Researchers and real estate professionals agree: proximity to parks is good for property values. Across Canada, studies consistently show that homes located within 500 metres of a well-maintained park can enjoy an increase in market value of 5% to 20%, depending on factors such as park size, available amenities, and neighbourhood density (Ontario One Realty, 2025; Crompton, 2020).

People are willing to pay a premium for properties near parks due to the health, recreational, and social benefits they provide. These green spaces also help stimulate local economies by adding value to surrounding developments.

Increased Value By Parks: Trends in Calgary and Alberta

Calgary boasts more than 8,000 hectares of parkland, and its northwest neighbourhoods have long been popular for their access to natural amenities. However, the Symons Valley area currently lacks permanent hard-surface sports facilities—such as outdoor rinks, tennis courts, and basketball courts—which are only found in communities south of Stoney Trail.

In early 2025, Calgary property assessments showed an average increase of 15% citywide, with many northwest communities like Tuscany and Evanston experiencing above-average demand, thanks to their proximity to parks, trails, and recreational infrastructure (City of Calgary, 2025; Heintz, 2025).

Although the City of Calgary does not publish park-specific property value data, these trends align with province-wide research from the Alberta Recreation & Parks Association, which confirms that parks contribute tangible economic value to surrounding communities (ARPA, 2006).

From Edmonton to Lethbridge, planned parks serve as key selling features in new developments. Homes near parks and green spaces tend to command higher resale values and experience lower vacancy rates—even during slower markets (Zhang, 2016; Lethbridge Communities, 2025).

Parks Value Added Is Seen Canada-Wide

Nationwide, access to nature consistently ranks among the top priorities for homebuyers. Parks and green spaces are valued not just as places to play, but as essential infrastructure for healthy, connected, and resilient communities. A national report by Park People (2023) reveals that over 89% of Canadians believe parks improve their quality of life, and that investments in public parks contribute significantly to both social and economic well-being.

What This Means for Symons Valley Park Community

Symons Valley Park is set to become a year-round destination in Calgary's northwest. With amenities like a hockey arena, tennis courts, BBQ areas, an amphitheatre, and green spaces for picnics and play, it's not just a park—it's a hub for community life. Homes within walking distance of this kind of multi-use space could see a realistic 5% to 15% increase in property value, based on Calgary-specific trends and Canadian averages.

While the exact numbers will depend on market conditions and the final scope of development, the message is clear: parks like Symons Valley Park do more than beautify a neighbourhood—they build lasting value.

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Sources

Alberta Recreation & Parks Association. (2006). Assessing the proximate value of parks and open space to residential properties in Alberta. Alberta Recreation & Parks Association.

City of Calgary. (2025, November 14). 2025 Property Assessment Market Trends Report. Retrieved from https://www.calgary.ca/content/dam/www/pda/assessment/assessment-search/PDFreportMRMT.pdf

Crompton, J. L. (2020, March 26). How much impact do parks have on property values? Parks & Recreation Magazine. National Recreation and Park Association. Retrieved from https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2020/april/how-much-impact-do-parks-have-on-property-values/

Heintz, L. (2025, January 10). Average residential property assessment in Calgary up 15%, owners starting to get 2025 notices. CityNews Calgary. Retrieved from https://calgary.citynews.ca/2025/01/10/calgary-2025-property-assessments/

Lethbridge Communities. (2025, July 23). How neighbourhood design impacts home value in Lethbridge. Retrieved from https://lethbridgecommunities.com/how-neighbourhood-design-impacts-home-value-in-lethbridge

Ontario One Realty Ltd. (2025, July 23). How green space affects home values in Ontario. Retrieved from https://www.ontarioonerealty.com/parks-green-space-property-values

Park People. (2023). Canadian City Parks Report. Retrieved from https://parkpeople.ca

Zhang, Y. (2016). Valuing green space in Edmonton: A spatial hedonic analysis. University of Alberta. Retrieved from https://era.library.ualberta.ca/items/452ec369-e364-4fa9-b4b8-1f55d2bfc351