Calgary, Alberta
Enhancing walkability through street closure beautification
The Project
The Connaught Open Street is a collaborative, community-led project that provides a safer way for over 230 students to walk and wheel to school more safely every day. The half block located next to Connaught School was a place children previously described as busy, noisy and dangerous. After identifying this problem, Connaught students proposed a solution: to turn the street into a park. Sustainable Calgary and Connaught School prototyped their idea in 2022 and have been adapting the space based on community feedback ever since. The Asphalt Art project specifically allowed the community to address new safety concerns and give the space a needed refresh: Sustainable Calgary and the BUMP Mural Festival installed a colourful bump-out at the adjacent intersection, and installed a vibrant mural that brought new energy and focus to the site. Residents of all ages celebrated these enhancements during a community unveiling and painting event, where 38 participants added their personal touches by layering nature-themed stencils on the jersey barrier bump-out, which reduced the width of the road by 25%. This hands-on process ensured community members actively contributed to the design, fostering a stronger connection to the space.
- 91% of parents want to see the Connaught Open Street become permanent
- Street width reduced by 25% (from 12 to 9 meters)
Reclaiming spaces can be very challenging; to change how space is used requires the community to change with it. For young people’s imagination to come alive requires adults to make space for that, and remember the community we build together isn’t static, but a result of our determination to do more, do it differently, and do it together.
Courtney Walcott, City Councillor, Calgary
Press
National Award Given For Kids Reimagine School Streets Project (LiveWire Calgary, October 29, 2024)
The Annual Bump Festival Is Back In Calgary (CBC, August 12, 2024)
Calgary’s Bump Festival Receives Funding From Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative (CTV News, November 15, 2023)
For inspiration and tips for the creation of art on roadways and public places, download the Bloomberg Associates Asphalt Art Guide which features successful plaza and roadway art activations around the world, as well as key steps for developing such projects.
