Calgary is now home to the first dementia-inclusive park in Canada. Designed around the needs of people living with dementia, their caregivers and families, the Martin Family Legacy Garden aims to make spending time outdoors feel more familiar and welcoming.
This project has been about five years in the making. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dementia researcher Dr. Dallas Seitz and Alzheimer Calgary were separately considering what a dementia-inclusive community would look like before Parks Foundation Calgary brought the ideas together. The resulting project involved researchers, healthcare professionals, community organizations and families affected by dementia. Greg and Joanne Martin served as the garden’s keystone donors, with major support from Alzheimer Calgary, the City of Calgary, the Government of Alberta, Calgary Foundation and other community partners.
The Martin Family Legacy Garden officially opened in Dover’s Southview Park on September 21, which is World Alzheimer’s Day.
The garden’s public art was created by local artists
The garden’s public art was chosen to encourage familiarity, curiosity and connection. Local sculptors Don and Shirley Begg of Studio West Bronze & Art Gallery created animal sculptures for the park, drawing on animals’ ability to trigger recognition across language and cultural barriers. The park also includes birdhouses built by the Men’s Shed at the Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society. Together, the pieces bring a sense of familiarity and character to the place.
Its location connects it to Calgary’s dementia community
The park sits beside Bethany Riverview, a seniors’ campus offering independent living and continuing care, including a facility designed specifically for people living with complex dementia. It’s also adjacent to the Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society, connecting it to nearby seniors and community programming. Its location means the park can be used by residents, families, caregivers and organizations already serving older adults in the area.
The garden uses familiar cues to make wayfinding easier
Colour plays a practical role throughout the park. Its three walking loops carry matching colours through handrails, pavement markings, flowers and birdhouses, creating familiar visual cues as visitors move through the space. Wide, looping pathways avoid dead ends, while sensory gardens provide seasonal plants and shaded seating offers places to pause. A playground also makes the park welcoming for multigenerational families, including those caring for both children and elderly parents.
