Calgarians get 1st look at plans to revamp area around Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

The city unveiled its plans on Thursday night to interconnect and highlight the historical significance of the Inglewood wildlands, sanctuary and Pearce Estate Park.

The "Bend in the Bow" project would see the addition of astormwater pond, public bathroom and playground to the southeast Calgary area.

"I have 11 children, so having a new playground in Pearce Estatepark is going to be amazing," said Inglewood resident, Bob McInnis.

Public art will also be incorporated into the redesign.

Two of Calgary's early settlers Col.James Walker and William Pearceestablished their homes inthe area over a century ago.

City officials are hoping to highlight the rich cultural history of Inglewood through more trails and interpretive signs.

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But Ian Halladay with Nature Calgary doesn't thinkthe landscape shouldbe disturbedin the bird sanctuary.

"We just hope it's left to be a pretty natural site that people can come down and enjoy," he said.

City landscape architectMichael Magnansays great care and consideration is being taken.

"We recognize that this is a sensitive habitat, there's lot of birds here," Magnan said."So we're increasingbiodiversity, but we're also increasing cultural awareness of the site."

The plans still have to go before city council for approval. That's expected to happen sometime in early 2017.