Following more than three decades of thrilling rides and icy climbs to the top, municipal officials have unveiled the design for a state-of-the-art replacement slide at the Village Square Leisure Centre, signaling the end of an era for the legendary Thunder Slide.
The original Thunder Slide served Calgarians from 1994 until 2026. As part of the Village Square Leisure Centre repairs and upgrades project, the new attraction is designed to build on the legacy of its predecessor while introducing modern, high-tech enhancements.
Unlike the classic open-air corkscrew design, the incoming attraction will feature a fully enclosed structure engineered to shield riders from Calgary’s harsh winter weather, ensuring reliable year-round operation. The dynamic tube path will guide riders through sharp twists and turns before dropping into the splash runout below. To heighten the sensory experience, the slide will incorporate translucent fiberglass sections which will diffuse light into shifting colors throughout the descent.
Visually, the structure will serve as a bold focal point for the pool area, featuring a vibrant gradient palette of reds, pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows.
“We’ve heard from countless Calgarians about what the Thunder Slide has meant to them over the years,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “The incredible turnout for the slide’s final weekend showed just how much people care about places like this and that recreation facilities create memories that last a lifetime. Replacing the Thunder Slide means future generations will have the chance to create memories of their own and enjoy this beloved recreation experience for decades to come.”
The replacement slide forms part of The City’s broader work to renew aging recreation infrastructure and respond to increasing demand for recreation opportunities across Calgary. Through GamePLAN, The City’s public recreation strategy, Calgary is taking a long-term approach to investing in existing community facilities where it makes sense and planning new recreation spaces for a growing city.
Construction crews are actively executing structural repairs and interior upgrades across the Village Square complex, with the facility and its new feature scheduled to reopen to the public near the end of 2027.
