Adventure and Nature Playground in Sundance Park, Banff, Canada

Type of Project

The “Adventure and Nature Playground” in Sundance Park represents the final phase of the Town of Banff’s ten‑year plan to modernise its recreational spaces.  This new area, twice the size of the former playground, blends seamlessly into the natural landscape of Banff National Park. Designed around a nature‑inspired play concept, it aims to encourage children’s physical, cognitive, and social development while offering them a stimulating and immersive environment.

Techno Metal Post Calgary was commissioned to install more than 100 helical piles to support the park’s various play structures, including climbing towers, slides, zip lines, and viewing zones.

The objective was to install screw-pile foundations adapted to the soil conditions and the natural characteristics of the site, ensuring the stability and durability of the equipment while respecting the environment.

Location

100 Birch Avenue, Banff (Alberta, Canada)

Challenges

The main challenge was the soil’s low load-bearing capacity, as it consisted mainly of clayey silt. The helical pile solution was chosen because it allows loads to be transferred to more stable layers of silt and clay, thereby ensuring reliable support without requiring major excavation.

Other technical considerations:

• Installation carried out in winter conditions;
• Limitation of noise and vibration to preserve the surrounding environment (project located in an urban area);
• Use of multi-helix piles to improve load distribution, with diameters of up to 50 cm.

Solution

Type of foundation: Helical piles

Total number of Techno Metal Posts: 103

Average embedment depth: approx. 2.9 m

Load‑bearing capacity: Between 450 kg and 5 tonnes per helical pile

Duration of pile installation works: Under 10 days

On‑site team: 2 people

Equipment used: EM1

Installation torque: Variable depending on loads and local conditions

The approach adopted by Techno Metal Post Calgary enabled fast and quiet installation, perfectly suited to the natural and sensitive environment of Banff National Park.

Results / Conclusion

Thanks to the helical pile solution, the play structures benefited from durable, environmentally respectful support. The work was carried out efficiently despite winter conditions and soil constraints, demonstrating the flexibility and performance of the foundations installed by Techno Metal Post Calgary.

The project stands as both a technical and community success: a nature‑inspired space designed to blend harmoniously into the setting of Banff National Park while providing a leisure environment suitable for families.

The outcome for the playground features (1,700 m²):

• 5 slides, including a 10‑metre spiral slide;
• 3 spruce climbing towers;
• A tunnel and a climbing structure integrated into a natural tree trunk;
• A lookout tower and 5 tree‑towers;
• A golden eagle’s nest with a giant egg‑shaped feature;
• Rocks, balance beams and balance logs;
• 2 zip lines, each 10 metres long;
• 2 listening modules for quiet activities;
• A set of swings.

Additional Information & External Links

• Year of helical pile installation: 2023
• Project Completion: 2025
• Client: Town of Banff
• General Contractor: Heavy Experience

https://banff.ca/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1779

https://banff.ca/1275/Adventure-and-Nature-Playground

https://www.heavyexperience.com/