Tomkins Park — Attraction in Calgary

A nice little park along 17th Ave in lower Mount Royal, close to Beltline. Several places to get lunch or a coffee nearby. However if someone is looking for a quiet park, this would be far from that, due to the fact it's on 17th Avenue. The park is approximately two city blocks long, and one city block wide, with plenty of large trees offering shade, benches, tables and chairs.

It's great that Calgary has so many little parks like this scattered throughout downtown, Beltline, Connaught, and Lower Mount Royal.

Tompkins Park even has a stage to host bands and entertainment. A couple of weeks ago I saw a solo entertainer singing and playing guitar who was very good. Periodically the BRZ has "movie night" where they have a large screen TV and sound system set up. Last week was 80s night, and they played several well-known movies from the 1980s.

There is however the street element, so those from the burbs might not be prepared, or willing to tolerate that.

Back in June there was some guy whacked out of his mind screaming and waving a syringe full of blood around at people as they walked by in Tompkins Park. Someone called the cops, but by the time they got there the guy was long gone. This isn't something that happens often, but just be prepared and be aware of your surroundings. Another guy climbed one of the tall pine trees in the park, and was shouting humorous obscenities to unsuspecting passersby below. That was actually rather amusing.

All that being said, I'm still giving Tompkins Park a four-star rating. I've been coming to the park...

This is my favorite hotspot on 17th Ave! During the summer, there is Saturday's on 17th which hosts live music, free face painting, bouncy houses, outdoor games, and more. Now they had there first ever farmer's market and it was a hit with free caricatures and henna! The tree's are beautiful and large, like being under a canopy. Always a pleasure stopping here to eat on a bench or pet a local dog...

This is a beautiful park nestled in a desirable location which is ruined by the constant car noise of jerks revving their engines driving back and fourth up 17 Ave. The city needs to pedestrianize 17th already, it is time. If not the entire street, then this section specifically could be greatly improved without the inhaling diesel exhaust and having your conversations drowned out by...