Foothills Academy Celebrates Transformational Gym Upgrade

For more than 40 years, Parks Foundation Calgary has helped shape vibrant, connected communities by investing in spaces that bring people together and enhance the city’s identity. Through a commitment to enhancing quality of life and creating accessible environments, the Parks Foundation continues to leave a lasting legacy across Calgary.

Foothills Academy Society is deeply grateful to be a recipient of this vision in action. Thanks to a generous $25,000 grant from Parks Foundation Calgary, our school gymnasium has undergone a meaningful transformation. This renewed space reflects not only physical improvements, but also a shared belief in the importance of a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for children and youth.

The project included a fully refinished gym floor, the installation of new wall padding, a modern scoreboard, and the introduction of an updated Foothills Academy Falcons logo at centre court. The refreshed logo is a bold symbol of school pride and identity, now at the heart of a space that brings students together every day.

“Our gym is a central gathering place where students build confidence, develop friendships, and experience success in new ways,” says Dr Karen Macmillan, Executive co-Director at Foothills Academy Society. “These enhancements have brought a renewed sense of pride and excitement to the space, and we are incredibly grateful to Parks Foundation Calgary for making this possible.”

At Foothills Academy, learning extends far beyond the classroom. The gymnasium plays an important role in supporting physical well-being, social development, and emotional growth. Whether students are participating in physical education classes, recreational activities, or school events, this space encourages movement, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.

The impact of this revitalized space extends well beyond our school program. The upgraded gymnasium will support a range of Foothills Academy programs, including Camp Amicus and Amicus Recreation programs. In doing so, it opens the door to richer opportunities for children, youth, and young adults with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD to develop social skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships. In addition, the space will continue to serve the broader community through external programming such as workshops, events, and other community uses, further strengthening its important role as a hub for connection and engagement in Calgary. 

Parks Foundation Calgary is dedicated to creating vibrant, inclusive, and accessible spaces that foster connection and enrich the quality of life in our community. Their vision aligns perfectly with Foothills Academy’s commitment to providing a nurturing environment where every student feels supported and empowered to thrive.Together, we are shaping a space that inspires confidence, fosters connection, and supports students in reaching their full potential.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Parks Foundation Calgary for their generosity and their continued investment in the Calgary community. Their support has helped create a space that will serve and inspire students for years to come.

At Foothills Academy Society, we remain committed to providing environments where students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD can thrive. This renewed gymnasium stands as a reflection of what is possible when community, generosity, and purpose come together.