Bowmont Park has many different types of users and includes trails that are very popular with mountain bikers, commuters, dog walkers, and other park users such as bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. To ensure the safety of citizens while they enjoy the park, as well as to ensure the ecological integrity of the area, it is important that we all follow the same guidelines to ensure the health of the park for many years to come.
Calgary Parks has the largest pathway system in North America, with 1000 km of paved pathways. There are also many gravel and dirt trails in our parks and greenspaces, some of which are considered undesignated, but all trails are classified as multi use and are to be shared by all user groups.
Bylaws related to Parks and Pathways include the Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw, Parks and Pathways bylaw, Tree Protection bylaw and the new Encroachment bylaw.
A few key points are:
- The speed limit along the paved pathways and all trails is 20 km per hour, unless otherwise posted.
- To ensure everyone’s safety on undesignated trails, make sure when biking to slow down when coming to a blind corner and in areas with reduced visibility. Slow down and use a bell or your voice to alert walkers that you are traveling past them, giving them time to move aside if needed.
- Everyone, including walkers and joggers, must be visible to other pathway users.
- All pathways are on-leash. We share our pathways with other pedestrians and cyclists and to ensure everyone’s safety please leash your pet while using the pathway or trail system.
- Only allow your pet off-leash in designated off-leash parks. Pets must remain under control in off leash areas.
- Pick up after your pet. Dog waste is known to have parasites, bacteria, and viruses. These can cause harmful effects and illness to other pets, wildlife, and humans. Dog waste does not absorb into the soil, so its harmful effects can last for years.
- Do not feed wildlife. Wild animals can become dependent on food from humans and learn habits that can harm them or cause conflicts with people. If you see wildlife give them space.
- If you are lucky enough to live overlooking Bowmont Park, it is very important that you also do your part to protect the natural area. Please ensure that you are aware of the new Encroachment Bylaw 9M2020.
- No mowing of grass past the one meter of allowance to gain access to your yard. By mowing more than this you are disrupting the vegetation within the natural area.
- Don’t extend your yard into the natural area. Planting or placing of any materials beyond your property line is not allowed.
- Please do not cut, trim, or remove any trees.
For more information on being a good parks user please go to: https://www.calgary.ca/csps/parks/locations/Good-park-users-guide.html.
Enjoy the park! Contact 311 if you have any concerns.
