Calaway Park, situated in the heart of Western Canada, is a true gem for family entertainment. It’s a destination where everyone, regardless of age or preference, can find something to enjoy. Calaway Park boasts a wide array of attractions, diverse live shows, and plenty of delicious snack options. All of this combines to create an atmosphere of boundless fun and unforgettable memories. Read more at calgary1.one.
A Look at the Park’s Origins
Calaway Park is located at 245033 Range Road 33 T3Z 2E9 Calgary, just four kilometres west of the city. It holds the title of the largest outdoor amusement park in Western Canada, offering accessible family fun since 1982. The entire property spans approximately 65 hectares, although the park itself, featuring 32 rides and three roller coasters, is situated on 36 hectares.
The idea for the park originated in 1979. Initial plans were to name it “Flintstone Fun Park” after “The Flintstones,” the American animated sitcom. The show followed the lives of Fred and Wilma Flintstone, their pet dinosaur Dino, their sabretooth cat Baby Puss, and daughter Pebbles. Viewers also loved their neighbours, Barney and Betty Rubble, and their adopted strong boy Bamm-Bamm. The action takes place in a romanticized Stone Age setting.
Despite the fondness for “The Flintstones,” the owners changed the name to the familiar Calaway Park just a few months before the official public opening in 1982.
The Founders
John McAfee, a former Red Deer lawyer, along with 15 investors from British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, initiated the creation of the park. In 1979, the group paid $500,000 to Hanna-Barbera Productions for the licensing rights to “The Flintstones” characters and locations. Although the original American animated sitcom had finished its run in 1966, Saturday morning cartoons kept the familiar storyline alive for audiences, notably “The New Fred and Barney Show” (1979) and “The Flintstone Comedy Show.”
The owners were interested in more than just the Flintstones theme; a Victorian motif was also planned for the park. This was intended to be similar to the World’s Fair in 1890 at Canada’s Wonderland (an amusement park spanning 130 hectares in Vaughan, Ontario). The founders initially calculated that ticket sales, plus food and gift purchases, would cover operating costs.
The original Flintstone Fun Park project was budgeted at $8 million, but costs soared significantly during the energy and real estate booms. The final stated cost reached $25 million, $3 million of which went toward the main corkscrew roller coaster.
A Complicated Beginning
Despite the approval for the park’s construction, local residents were strongly opposed. They worried that the construction of such an amusement park would disrupt their familiar rural way of life. The final approval came with a series of conditions regarding the park’s location, noise levels, and other mitigating factors.
Subsequently, the Alberta Court of Appeal ordered new hearings due to a procedural breach, and locals continued to voice their protests. They focused on McAfee Hill and raised questions about whether the park adhered to the definition of a recreational countryside centre.
During this period, the name was changed, and the project idea continued to evolve and be implemented. Questions arose regarding the future development of the area, including the construction of a motel and campground, and the park’s impact on traffic flow was studied.
Residents in the region continued their fight. For instance, local landowners petitioned the Alberta Court of Appeal to challenge the decision to build the park.
Disputes also centred on the height of the roller coasters and their impact on the landscape.
Despite these challenges, Calaway Park opened in 1982. At the time, the city was mired in recession, and a significant decrease in the local population was predicted. The initial entrance fee for the park was $11.95 with unlimited ride access. Beyond the rides and roller coasters, visitors could see costumed Flintstones characters. The petting zoo and Cinema 180 movie theatre were also popular features of the Calaway Park entertainment program.
Turning the Page
By 1983, Calaway Park had faced 17 lawsuits totaling $1 million. To achieve profitability, the entrance fee was lowered, and a capital expansion of $1.1 million began. The changes introduced at Calaway Park were oriented toward older age groups. The Flintstones theme became secondary, and lowering the licensing fee helped redirect those funds toward maintenance. Changes also involved the restaurant, whose staff was expected to offer more refined dishes, and plans were made to obtain a liquor license.
Later, Calgary lawyer and entrepreneur Gordon Dixon purchased Calaway Park. The main focus shifted to families with children aged 3 to 12. This established a clear concept: an amusement park, not a theme park (the Flintstones characters and all associated elements were removed).
It was crucial to accept the limitations of the Canadian climate. Marketing Director Bob Williams shared that since they only have 104 operating days, they had to figure out how to maximize revenue during this limited window.
The entertainment program also changed. For instance, original stage shows reflecting the region’s culture and heritage were added. The park hired a troupe of 18 to 20 performers for one season, known as “Calaway Live.”
“Your Smile is Our Mission”
The new management expected the first 10 years to be about survival, but they were pleasantly surprised. Calaway Park secured a stable market position. Its main mission is encapsulated in the phrase: “Your Smile is Our Mission,” and its motto is: “Just For Fun.”
Marketing Director Bob Williams became known as the “Coupon King,” devising an effective strategy. He noted that Calaway Park floods the market with over 3 million coupons annually. They send direct mail discounts to over 800,000 households and distribute coupons through their partners. Calaway Park constantly devises interesting and beneficial offers for visitors. For example, each of their 65,000 season pass holders receives six friend coupons at a one-third reduced price.
The coupon program was a stunning success. The mailed coupons encouraged entire families to visit the amusement park. Another marketing policy included half-price seasonal passes. These actions yielded results, as attendance grew from 210,000 people in 1991 to nearly 500,000 people in 2003.
Family Fun: How to Spend a Day at Calaway Park
Here are a few tips to help you have an unforgettable day at Calaway Park:
- The amusement park operates from May to October, so it is important to plan your visit in advance. It’s also worth checking the park’s event calendar for special events. Bright examples include the Calaway Comic Fest for Kids and Halloweekends. It is recommended to arrive at the park in the morning to allow more time for all the attractions.
- Calaway Park features 32 rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and carousels. There are live concerts and a family-friendly 3D movie to enjoy. The park also includes game zones (Castle Clash and Dragon Drop), as well as a water attraction.
- You won’t go hungry at the amusement park, as it features 6 restaurants with delicious dishes. Visitors can try their favourite BeaverTails, cotton candy, and churros.
- If you wish, you can always stay overnight at the Calaway Park RV Park and Campground.
Calaway Park is an excellent choice for a family outing, offering a wide array of entertainment for visitors of all ages.
