by Deb Lee, BRCA Heritage and CGH Commemoration Project
After 88 years of service to the city, the Calgary General Hospital was imploded in 1998. Over the next year, truckloads of debris were carted away. Those assigned with planning the next steps for the land sought a way to commemorate the hospital and its important place in Calgary history. One of the ways they chose was to preserve the footprint where the hospital once stood. The area formerly occupied by the hospital, between Centre Avenue and McDougall Road and from 7A to 9 Street, was designated as a park, and called Murdoch Park. The full development, which became known as the Bridges Project, then focused on building multi-family housing surrounding the park, to be constructed over three phases. With the exception of one plot of land, the Bridges Project is now completed.
How Was the Name Chosen for the Park?
The hospital’s address had been 841 Centre Avenue, but this road had originally been named Murdoch Road. Evidence of this history can still be seen in the sidewalk stamp at Centre Avenue and 10 Street that shows the Murdoch name. The proximity of Murdoch Road to the former hospital and the importance of George Murdoch to Calgary history were the reasons behind the naming of the park.
Who Was George Murdoch?
George Murdoch was Calgary’s first mayor. He was a Scottish-born man who had arrived here in 1883, the same year that the Canadian Pacific Railway reached Calgary. Murdoch was a harness maker who opened a business in the young settlement. In addition to working extensively with the North-West Mounted Police, he also worked with the Blackfoot people, even learning their language. Murdoch was active in civic affairs and was soon elected mayor of the town in the first election in 1884.
A bronze plaque was developed for Murdoch Park and was mounted in the SE corner, near McDougall Road. Unfortunately, the plaque was stolen several years ago. It was replaced with another bronze plaque, only to be stolen again. The base has remained blank to this day.
The name of our community’s biggest and much-loved park has been a bit of a mystery for many people. Google Maps has not always been clear or consistent about the name. And without a sign or plaque, there’s no visible evidence of the correct name.
An Important, Happening Place
What we can be sure of is the importance of Murdoch Park to the growing number of residents who live here, as well as visitors. The park is busy much of the day. Students from Riverside School play sports and conduct their field studies. Walkers, with and without dogs, stroll along the tree-lined promenades. People can be seen sitting on the benches lining the park, drinking coffee, eating ice cream purchased from nearby businesses, reading a book, visiting with friends, watching the activities, or contemplating the beauty of the day. The field itself is often busy with people of all ages playing soccer, football, volleyball, bocce, basketball, exercising, and doing yoga. A hang glider has also lifted off from the sloped western edge of Murdoch Park.
Occasionally, festivals are booked on the grounds. They add the vibrancy of music, dancing, and variety to the park. Murdoch Park is a happening place, where everyone is welcome. It is a fitting replacement for the great Calgary General Hospital that stood here for 88 years.
Murdoch Park photo by Deb Lee
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