Frequently Asked Questions:
Parks staff work diligently on ensuring the parks, green spaces and boulevards are well looked after however, it is possible that some spots are missed and details overlooked. The Parks Department welcomes any questions and concerns from residents regarding public land, parks and recreational spaces in hopes of meeting the community's diverse recreational needs. The following is an outline of common questions and concerns that come up with respect to the Parks Department's various streams of maintenance and areas of focus.
If you request further input, or wish to give feedback, or have come across something that requires our attention, please do not hesitate to call the central Parks office. We can be reached by phone at (403) 948-8400, or email at Parks@airdrie.ca. Your inquiry will then be forwarded to the appropriate department who will assess and remedy the situation in a timely manner.
- Gophers
The Parks Department does ongoing gopher control throughout the City of Airdrie for the duration of the spring and summer months using a number of methods. If you think there is an area that is being overlooked or that seems especially bad, please give us a call and the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) crew will carry out all necessary action.
- Weeds
IPM works on reducing various weeds (noxious or otherwise) while encouraging public awareness of various pests in the area along with control methods carried out by the city. Residents may call the central Parks office to report problem areas (private residences, commercial or city lots) in which case the IPM crew will follow through with the appropriate assessment and action by eliminating the problem, forwarding it to the responsible party or notifying Municipal Enforcement.
- Trees
City trees are maintained by a certified arborist and dedicated crew. They plant, prune, remove, water and fertilize as determined by a multi-level system based on upkeep, municipal regulations, planning and development needs. Please contact us with any questions or concerns with trees. Our arborist will follow through with the appropriate measures.
- Grass mowing
All parks, sports fields and boulevards are cut as per a priority-based mowing schedule. In the case of inclement weather, construction or other disruptions, it is likely that mowing may not be possible, or that the schedule may require modification. In the case that you feel an area is being neglected or perhaps the grass seems especially long, please contact the Parks Department to inform us of the area in question so that our crew can groom the area.
- Parks Bookings
Park spaces and amenities can be reserved through the Parks Department at no cost. If you wish to book the shelter at Nose Creek Park for a potluck or the amphitheatre for a wedding, simply give the Parks central office a call. We keep a detailed calendar of all events occurring in the city parks so as to accommodate the public's needs and ensure that the park spaces are utilized respectfully. For events with over 50 people, BBQ use, concession or fire pit reservations, the city requires a signed agreement and proof of insurance. Please do not hesitate to contact us about making a booking or with any questions.
- Irrigation
Watering times and locations vary depending on time of day, events, sporting activities and maintenance throughout the city. They are frequently monitored to ensure all necessary areas are being properly watered. It is possible that a sprinkler head may break, a watering time, location, or duration may need adjusting or. If you recognize that there may be a problem with a sprinkler on public land, please notify the Parks Department for the irrigation crew to check it out.
- Pathways
The total combined path system in Airdrie exceeds 75km in length with plans to add more in the future. Pathways have an approximate lifespan of 20 years with gradual wear and tear due to weather and regular use. Pathways are monitored for damage and safety hazards on a regular basis in which maintenance priority is placed on areas of high traffic or which pose a threat to user's safety in which an assessment is made for repair or construction. Any concerns regarding pathway upkeep are always appreciated so the city can ensure they are of utmost benefit to the community.
- Vandalism & Graffiti
Vandalism is an unfortunate reality of an ever-growing city. Once vandalism or graffiti is brought to the City's attention, we do our utmost to repair or clean up the area as soon as possible to ensure our parks and public spaces are safe and clean for public use. If you happen to notice any vandalism or graffiti done to city property please contact the parks department so we can send a crew out to clean or repair the situation, as soon as possible.
- Off Leash Areas
There are a couple of off leash areas in the city of Airdrie for people to safely let their dogs run. The Parks Department requests that individuals stick to these areas if they plan to let their dogs off leash for the respect of the all community members, park spaces and for safety reasons. As the city continues to grow, so does demand for more dog friendly spaces. We encourage feedback on improvements to, and possible additions to the city's off leash areas so as to meet an assortment of needs.
- Washrooms & Garbage
Public washrooms and garbage bins are checked and cleaned on a daily basis by various Parks crews throughout the city also, washrooms are locked overnight. During high volume use during the summer months additional maintenance may be required. Please contact the Parks Department for attention to these facilities