Calgary Parks is the City of Calgary department responsible for managing over 8,000 hectares of parkland, one of the largest urban park systems in North America. The department maintains natural areas, sports fields, playgrounds, pathways, and urban forest. Calgary Parks operates recreational facilities, manages natural environments including the extensive river valley system, and develops new parks in growing neighbourhoods. The department also oversees cemetery operations. Calgary's parks contribute significantly to quality of life and the city's identity, providing outdoor recreation in a prairie city where access to nature within urban boundaries is highly valued.