After a long off-season, an iconic amusement park that has been operating in Rocky View County for 42 years is set to welcome visitors back, just in time for this coming May long weekend.
General manager Bob Williams, who has been with Calaway Park for over three decades, has announced more than 800 seasonal staff have been recruited to provide assistance to guests during the Springbank-based amusement park’s upcoming 2023 season. These staff members are young, enthusiastic, and eager to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable and memorable experience.
“We love what we do, we have a real passion for what we do, we are proud to work in the tourism industry and we are proud to be one of Alberta’s signature family tourism attractions,” Williams said.
Despite being only open during the warmer months of the year, Williams said Calaway Park’s team works year-round behind the scenes to ensure that visitors have a great experience throughout the season.
The park's doors will open for the first time in 2023 on May 20 to 22 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., including on the Monday.
Guests visiting the popular Springbank venue during opening weekend can look forward to experiencing some exciting surprises, according to Williams.
“We’ve done significant changes to our main street, Williams said. “I think people will walk in and go ‘Holy Cow.’”
Williams also revealed that a new ride will open later in the summer that suggests there will be some splashing fun for guests. He gave the park’s visitors a playful hint, warning them to expect a soaking if they hop on the new ride.
“Later this summer in the July time period, we will be opening our new ride called Riptide Racer,” he said.
“This family fun ride navigates a circular pool while guests can turn their rescue boats to the left and right increasing the waves and the fun – caution, you will get wet.”
Attendance-wise, Williams also expects to see the same or an even better turnout in 2023 than in previous years. While the park was closed like most other entertainment-themed attractions in 2020, he said the two years since have seen some of Calaway’s best ever attendances.
“We will see May's long weekend attendance,” he said. “Dependent on the weather, it can be our busiest weekend of the whole summer.”
The park is only open during the weekends until the summer season begins at the end of June, Williams noted.
As summer approaches, Calaway Park is offering its guests a 52 per cent discount on season passes. Interested individuals can take advantage of this offer by visiting their nearest Co-op location or Calawaypark.com. But they need to act fast, as the sale ends on May 23.
Calaway Park’s summer season will begin on June 29, with daily operation from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free parking is available for all guests.
The park is located in Springbank just south of Highway 1, west of Calgary city limits.
