Granary Road - Park, Mini Golf & Farmer's Market — Attraction in Alberta

I had done a market at the beginning of June this year, and I was not very impressed from the time I had booked the booth. There was no communication at all after I had booked the table, I had finally gotten an email about a day before the market telling me were the table was along with a map of where to find it which was helpful as it was the first time for me as vendor to be there. That was the only communication I had received from them between the time I booked the table to the day of the market. Outside of inquiring about the market prior to me booking the table. But once I arrived I had thought that there would be some vendor coordinator of sorts in case of anything happening or if the temporary vendors had questions or concerns, but there was no one all day. No one stopped by to say hi or see how things where going or if we had questions. At one point I had gone to the washroom and walked around to the front after and there were a total of 3 empty booths for temporary vendors, and me and one other person that was sharing the same space where stuck in the back corner between the gift shop and the permanent vendor where the only time someone would see us is if they were leaving to go to the washroom. My question is if those other three booths where not sold for that day why weren’t we contacted to be told that were switched to a better spot to have a higher chance of being seen then being stuck in the back corner with no foot traffic. I get people don’t show up or cancel last min for whatever reason but if you knew they were sold why not communicate with us to move to a better spot? If I got an email the morning of stating that I wouldn’t have minded!

I get that the park it’s self is geared towards the kids to go out and have fun but if you also have a market inside it’s very poorly advertised, lacks communication, and my overall experience was terrible. Both me and the other lady that had the booth in the corner with me made no sales, not even to cover the cost of the table let alone our time and effort to come out and set up! I get some markets you will do better than others that’s just a given. But when your shoved in the corner with no foot traffic other then parents taking their kids to the bathroom when they are leaving when there are 3 empty booths leaves a bad taste in your mouth and I most definitely won’t be going back as a vendor let alone...

The short: We explored the park for 4 hours and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (one adult, one 7-year-old, one 4-year-old). I participated with the kids on all the playgrounds and activities, so I definitely got my money's worth. The cost per hour is cheaper than a movie (admission is $15/person currently). Definitely recommended.

The long: The Orchard playground and the zip line (beside Wetlands) were my boys' favorite activities. Orchard has an awesome spiral slide and a suspension bridge. Zip line goes fast enough that it's fun but slow enough so I wasn't worried about my 4-year-old flying off the end.

I loved the educational component; multiple signs at each station were very well written, designed for a wide range of ages, and had interesting tidbits so I learned things!

Arachnid web climber was pretty cool - recommended for 5+. Frog Pond playground was fun with trampolines set into the ground and merry-go-rounds that keep spinning! The slide filled Ant Farm playground is designed for age 5+ but I observed younger ones having fun with their parents at hand. Chicken Coop playground was fun (certain parts are for 5+). Bee Hive and Mushroom Meander were simply educational.

My boys loved the petting zoo. I found the staff member working there very friendly and educational. She spoke of the animals with obvious affection.

Bat Cave maze - age 5+ - needs different instructions. The sign refers to returning equipment to the attendant but their is neither an attendant nor equipment - I saw in another review that there are supposed to be blindfolds. You could cover your eyes, I guess, and have a friend "echolocate" you through the maze.

The disappointing exhibits were Terraced Gardens (only weeds) and Cropland (sand pit was lacking toys, growing circles contained mostly weeds).

There is lots of shade for parents who just want to sit, with plenty of benches and shady gazebos. Three picnic areas make this a very family friendly place. The paths are an easy stroll that strollers can make, though I recommend a wagon or stroller with...

I was thrilled initially that this place would be opening so close to us as I saw it being built this past spring and summer. Unfortunately, it is not what I expected. I will list the disappointments. -I purchased a seasons pass for my daughter and grand daughter at the end of July (grand daughter had not turned 3 yet so cost was only for her mother). Cost was 60.00 for the season but no one told me the season ended Oct 11. Yesterday we went and as a senior I had to pay 15.00 just to walk with my family. Since it was not a full season I don't think they should have charged for a full season.

-The market is not like a true farmers market...it is vendors selling ornamental wares, fancy peanuts etc.

lounge is anything but kid friendly and as this facility is supposed to be family friendly I would have thought there would be more appropriate seating and child friendly menu. Even the foods they had were not 3year old friendly (spaghetti/hotdogs etc) we ended up leaving and going to Boston Pizza.

there should have been a separate line for those just wanting wrist bands as lines were long due to parents encouraging their children to pay for their gift shop purchases.

Lastly, I think Granary Road rushed their grand opening...the only thing open was the gift shop, play area and a few vendors with tables outside. I went several times after the grand opening and kept phoning to ask when it would be fully operational.

This place is a tremendous disappointment and will not be taking my family there in the future and will not recommend to friends. Better value is the zoo, corn maze and other children's play centres that do not charge parents for supervising...